Business Resources
Resources for your real estate business.
FAAR Louder Podcast Episode 25 “Videos in the MLS”
Welcome to the FAAR louder podcast presented by the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors®. This episode is brought to you by Kensington bank guard National Land services. Kensington Vanguard is one of the largest independent full service title insurance agencies in the country, providing residential and commercial title insurance, settlement services and 1031 exchange services. Hi everyone, fire communications director here, Lauren Zuza. I’m often behind the scenes but today I’m here to share a helpful story from an agent. The story pertains to a tricky rule when working with video public websites like YouTube, and bright MLS in order to protect your business and avoid any potential fines. One agent learn this rule the hard way with a warning from Bright and encouraged us to share her story.
So many of you are accustomed to uploading your listing videos to YouTube and then sharing the video on the MLS from YouTube. Now this could be an issue if you’re following the Virginia laws requiring your information when advertising on public sites and following the rules from bright MLS which day branding is not allowed on videos and listings. So what’s the solution? If your videos typically have branding within the video itself, this is the process I recommend for you.
Before you add any branding to your video, export your first video, and then add your branding and save it again. You can use your branded video on public sites and upload the one without the branding to brighten. Now you’ll want to avoid using any public site URLs like YouTube and your listing because of the Virginia state laws requiring your information on your advertising. Now if your videos don’t have any branding, you still have to be careful. What you can do is you can upload the exact same video on bright MLS and YouTube but you want to make sure you upload the file from your hard drive when putting it in your listing in bright MLS not sharing the video URL from the public site like YouTube.
Now whether you’re working with a professional or creating your own videos, you will always want to have two versions one with your branding one without and you always want to make sure you upload the video from your hard drive into your listing. So that’s my message for the day. I hope to catch you next time.
MBH CEO, Fred Westerlund receives national recognition with the October Search’s 2021 Leadership Award
On Wednesday, September 1, Fred Westerlund, CEO, MBH Settlement Group, was awarded the October Research 2021 Leadership Award at the National Settlement Services Summit (NS3).
Established in 2012, the October Research awards program honors men and women in the title, underwriting, lending and settlement services industries for exemplary accomplishment in the areas of Leadership, Innovation and Philanthropy.
Presented by Erica Meyer, CEO and Publisher of October Research, on Wednesday, September 1, 2021.
Fred is honored to be placed in such distinguished ranks of past honorees, and the tremendous leaders in our industry. Evident in Fred’s management style and his remarks are his dedication to the industry and the individuals with whom he works.
“At MBH, we focus on the 3 C’s: our Clients, our Colleagues, and our Communities. We believe that everything else will follow. A leadership award is really a team award, so, I would like to thank the incredible team we’ve assembled at MBH. They are amazing and they inspire me every day.”
With a wealth of experience in operations, business development, and risk management, Fred Westerlund provides leadership and vision to MBH Settlement Group.
He has been involved in real estate services in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia markets for 16 years, and brings 29 years of leadership in sales, marketing, and operational roles across multiple service industries.
Prior to Fred’s career in business, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army. He’s earned a Masters of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds an undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Fred is active in the industry serving as Chairman of the Real Estate Finance and Settlements Forum for the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS.
He’s also active in the community, serving on the board of his Homeowners Association and supporting a number of different charitable organizations.
About MBH Settlement Group
Established in 1994, MBH Settlement Group is proud to be a settlement industry leader in the D.C. Metro area. MBH is committed to its partners and clients, serving our communities for more than 25 years in our 20 offices across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
New Podcast Episode with Donofrio & Associates Certified Inspection Experts
Introducing FAAR Louder, your official Association podcast! These bimonthly sessions will feature elected officials, hot topics, and news you can use. We are working to launch the podcast on your favorite apps but in the meantime, take a listen here.
Episode 25: FAAR Louder | Home Inspections with Donofrio & Associates
Transcript
0:00
Welcome to the FAAR louder podcast presented by the Fredericksburg area Association of Realtors. Hi, everyone. Welcome to the FAAR louder podcast. This is Lauren Zuza. I’m the webmaster and communications director at the Fredericksburg area Association of Realtors. And today we have with us our podcast sponsor for the month Donofrio & Associates. Hi, this is PJ Moore. Welcome PJ.
0:25
Hi, Lauren. Thank you so much for having me on my like Lauren said, my name is PJ Moore, and I’m the growth and marketing coordinator for Donofrio and Associates Property Inspections. Our company is based in Loudoun County, but we serve as DC, Maryland and Virginia. And we’ve been in business since 2001. The thing that I like to let everyone know is that we are veteran female-owned and family-owned. So our integrity means everything to us. And it’s very important for us to have a good name. So that’s always everybody always asked me how long you’ve been in business. So that’s the first thing I usually tell them right. We are a residential, commercial, structural and environmental inspection company. Like I said, we are servicing DC Maryland and Virginia we have numerous inspectors and we are open seven days a week. We do everything except for except for septic and uh well inspections at this moment. And that and those services are radon, mold, air quality, mold screening, lead-based paint inspections, structural inspections, we do Pool and Spa inspection, stucco and drive it and I think I’m forgetting one I did I say radon. Okay, so we are here and we’re available to answer any questions you may have. And we’re a full-service company. That’s fantastic. How many inspectors do you have on staff? Right now we have 12 we’re in the process of hiring a couple more to service the new area that we’re opening up Richmond in Charlottesville.
2:22
Oh, wow. Fantastic. We have lots of members who do business a wide range of localities around here. So having that big of a footprint is great.
2:34
I know. And it was nice at the event last night at the Fred nets game I met quite a few realtors, one of which from Samson properties that has some clients in Charlottesville. So she I think she said she worked in garrison, not garrisonville was the name of the town. Emporia is that. I’m not sure. I’m a Georgia transplant to the area myself. So having visited only a couple maybe three times now. So yeah, getting there getting there for sure.
3:08
That’s great. So when we’re lining up inspections, what are some of the questions realtors should be asking before and during an inspection?
3:17
Well, I think one of the bigger questions for most agents is the soundness of the home. So the structure, the roof, drainage away from the home because water is one of the biggest issues for home as far as repairs and maintenance. And it can cause mold and all of that so and and it can cause woodrat. So we want to try to stay away from that. And that’s one of the biggest things that they think about your hv AC system, the plumbing. I would say the roof, that’s a big thing. And then the water heater, those are things that cost the most to fix and repair. And so it’s important to know the life of that and kind of budget for when you need to replace it. A lot of homeowners want to know that.
4:11
That brings up a very good point. You know, we’re in a hot market. Sometimes people are waiving the inspection contingency. Um, should they still get an inspection immediately when they close? will this help the Home Warranty be valid?
4:24
Absolutely. I think it’s very important and it’s also very important for not only for the home warranty, but it’s also very important. What just lost my thought darnit it’s also very important to know the workings of the home for the homeowner. So you know where your water spigot turnoff is. You know how to light the pilot light on the hot water heater. You know how to change the filters, you know where everything is located. You know what the capacities of everything is, you know, approximately when you may have to replace something thing that’s that’s a big thing for homeowners, especially first time homebuyers, because it’s, it’s one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life. And so if you know right away that you’re going to have to budget to spend $5,000 to replace the HV AC system within the next five years, then you can plan for that.
5:18
Good point, good point. So that’s fantastic. Tell us how a realtor could get in touch with you if they’re looking for more information. Thank
5:25
you very much. So you can reach us via email, by phone. by our website. We also have a URL QR code that we give each individual realtor when they when they schedule with us. So if they ratify a contract late at night, they can go in check the schedule, pick a date and time. And then we will call them the next day to confirm that. So you can reach us seven days a week we are open from 8am to 7pm. And then we also have a backup call center. And I will tell you right now, which is what’s really important is to start your inspection online, you get a $25 discount. And it’s the fastest way It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to schedule an inspection because there’s lots of questions we want to know, you know, the size of the house, the address, you know if it has any outbuildings all of those things and what kind of services you need. And and during the process, agents and clients ask questions. So we’re answering questions as well. We don’t want to rush them off the phone. So it’s best to start it that way. And then we’ve got the basic stuff taken care of. And then all the other stuff can be added. Wow, it doesn’t get any easier. It makes it so easy. Yeah, we try to be a full service company. Like I said, we have three client care coordinators. We’re currently hiring another one. And then we also have the backup call center. So it’s best to leave a message or start your inspection process online. And that’s easy to do on our website, which is www.donofrioinspections.com very easy.
7:10
Well, thank you so much for being here today. PJ. That’s the end of our episode. Fantastic. Thank you.
Technology Committee investigates Broadband Coverage and Developments in Fredericksburg Area
Broadband coverage has become increasingly important for area residents. The FAAR Technology committee has been hard at work interviewing the various jurisdictions on current broadband progress.
There is no simple solution or easy answer to say when areas will have 100% coverage. Maps of coverage areas from broadband companies even when they do exist, cannot be proven to be accurate and 100% broadband coverage is considered almost impossible due to the nature of our terrain in the area. One of our most rural jurisdictions, Orange County, is making tremendous progress towards full county coverage with the Fiberlync partnership for county residents.
Below is the summary of data collected from the jurisdictions.
#MemberMonday Meet Affiliate Dena Cooke
Name
Dena Cooke
Hometown
Fredericksburg VA
Current Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Title
Loan Officer with Embrace Home Loans
Number of Years in the Industry
2 1/2 years
Why do you love working in real estate?
My passion is helping others! I love to assist clients in the entire process of purchasing their new home. Helping to educate them and just support them during what can be such an emotional process. There’s nothing better than seeing the smiles and joy when they get those keys in hand. Especially first time home buyers.
Favorite Work Story
I had a first time home buyer who was told he couldn’t purchase a home and needed to rent at least another year. He called me and after working around a few hurdles we got him approved. Not only did he close on his first home a week ago, he told me that he is the first person in his entire family to own a home and he can now show his kids that if he can do it, they can too! He cried after closing and jumped around with the Sold sign in his new front yard. THE BEST!!!
What are you most proud of in your career?
I haven’t been a loan officer for many years like most, but I am proud of how many clients I have helped in a short period of time and just to see those smiles is the most rewarding for me.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
Beauty for Ashes is a place I volunteer and donate to on a monthly basis. They provide a safe and stable environment for women with life-controlling problems. It’s a home that offers help, hope and healing to both mother and child. They offer a Christian faith-based curriculum, life skills training, life applications, Church and community involvement lead to mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual wholeness. I have met some of the most amazing women who have completely changed their lives and their children’s future from their time at BFA.
Fun Fact
Before working as a loan officer I worked at our family business, Childress Heating & A/C, Inc. from the time I was in high school until just a few years ago. Our first office was a guest bedroom at the house I grew up in and went from there to now a large recognized business in the area. My Dad’s motto was always customer satisfaction which is why that is such a passion of mine as well. I have been married for 16 years to my husband Miles who still works for the family business and we have two boys, Nathan who is 14 and Ian who is 8.
2022 FAAR Board of Directors Candidate Videos – Voting now open!
Voting is now open for the 2022 FAAR Board of Directors
All FAAR REALTORS® are invited to vote at https://vote.electionrunner.com/election/vgz4g
To vote you will use your NRDS Number as your Voter ID and your Voter Key
Review the Sample Ballot-
2021 Election Slate for the 2022 FAAR Board of Directors announced
Get the info on the candidates—Read the candidates’ bios in the August edition of FAARSide.
“Additional candidates for the offices to be filled may be placed in nomination by signed petition of at least twenty percent* of the REALTOR® members. The petition shall be filed with the Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) by August 3, 2921. The Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) shall send notice of such additional nominations to all REALTOR® members before the election.”
(As of 7/12/2021 there are 1809 REALTOR® members. 362 names are needed to complete the petition requirement. Send to FAAR at pbreme@faarmembers.com, no later than August 3, 2021.)
Sample Ballot
Slate of Candidates- 2022 Leadership
Electronic Balloting begins August 17, ends September 15 at noon
FAAR offers electronic voting. The ballot will be sent in an email to each REALTOR® member on August 17. The balloting closes September 15 at noon. The results will be announced at 2:30 pm at a general membership meeting on the floor of the trade show. The results will be communicated to the entire membership soon after this announcement.
President Deb Ellis, Coldwell Banker Elite
President-Elect Carol Sondrini, Coldwell Banker Elite
Vice President Randy Walther, Nest Realty
Secretary Dawn Josemans, Coldwell Banker Elite
Treasurer Lauren Tate, Century 21 Redwood
Immediate Past President Carrie Danko, 1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Directors- Five candidates for three positions. Select up to three..
__ Nick Brown, Weichert, REALTORS®
__ Abby Fitzsimmons, Coldwell Banker Elite
__ Gary Gardiner, Jr., Coldwell Banker Elite
__ Stephanie Michael, Dodson Property Management
__ Matthew Rathbun, Coldwell Banker Elite
(Continuing from the 2021 Board- Clay Murray, Pathway Realty, Pia Contreas Sanchez, Prime Realty, Kardin Lillis, Weichert, REALTORS®)
Three candidates for 1 affiliate position. Select one.
__ Richard Bibb, Goosehead Insurance
__ Michele Freemyers, Ekko Title
__ Laura Pate Rodier, The Title Professionals
Candidate Videos
Read the FAARside newsletter for real estate updates and more!
Your copy of the August Newsletter, the FAARside is here! Crack open a copy for updates on local real estate and so much more!
Inside you will find
- Farewell message from retiring CEO, Pat Breme
- 2022 Leadership candidate bios
- Message from the 2021 FAAR President, Carrie Danko
- Thank you to RPAC investors
- An update on short term rentals in Spotsylvania County
- Information on the revamped Professional Honor Role application
and more!
Right click here or the image and click “Save as” to download
2021 REALTOR Cereal Drive — Connect with past clients, friends, and the community
Go coo-coo for cereal collection!
2020 was an unprecedented year for cereal collection. Let’s keep the cereal flowing in an effort to reach 18,000 boxes in 2021, all of which go to the local area food banks!
Use the cereal drive as a touchpoint.
The cereal drive is a fantastic way to reconnect with your sphere— Look for REALTOR®-branded marketing pieces here or at the FAAR office(post-card and flyer) to enhance efforts of collecting cereal from clients and friends.
Tell us if you’re participating.
Let us know if your office plans to participate by filling out the form below or emailing Barbara Castillo with your office and contact information by September 26th.
Final cereal counts will be announced at 10/28 mixer.
Collected cereal can be dropped off at the October 28th Halloween Mixer at Wilderness Run Winery from 5-7 PM or for large pick-ups, the Fredericksburg food van can be scheduled to pick up from your location. Please email Barbara bcastillo@faarmembers.com with your final box tally sometime before the 10/28 Halloween Mixer where we will announce the winners. Scroll down to see who participated in last year’s cereal drive!
Cereal Drive Office Contest Sign Up
Yes.. I want my office to participate in the annual FAAR Cereal Drive.
Download the square graphic for sharing here!
Key items to remember:
October 1-28- Collect cereal! Let Barbara Castillo (bcastillo@faarmembers.com) know if you need postcards.
October 26- If you have more that 250 boxes, just let Barbara know and she will arrange pick up.
October 27- if you had your cereal picked up — PLEASE CONTACT BARBARA WITH BOX COUNT
October 28- Drop off cereal (less than 250 boxes) to the FAAR Halloween Mixer at Wilderness Run Winery. Cereal can be dropped between 4-7 PM
October 28th, 7:15 PM Winners and totals announced!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and please post lots of fun pics and video on your cereal gathering and displays of cereal on social media to get all FAAR members excited about this very worthwhile cause!
2020 Participants
Affiliate collecting the most boxes – 4-way tie!
Tim Liddy with Charden – 200 boxes
Donna Schmidt with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty – 200 boxes
Tony Bolding with Alcova Mortgage – 200 boxes
Katie Williams – First American Home Warranty – 200 boxes
Most Cereal Per Agent
1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 10,118 boxes total
Most Improved
Long and Foster – from 3,361 boxes in 2019 to 7,256 boxes in 2020
Runner-ups Most Cereal
Century 21 New Millennium – from 2,772 boxes in 2019 to 3,699 boxes in 2020
Weichert Realtors – from 527 boxes in 2019 to 3,303 boxes in 2020
United Real Estate Premier – from 806 boxes in 2019 to 1,554 boxes in 2020
Honorable Mention
Hometown Realty – first time participating and collected 325 boxes!
Grand Prize
1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 10,118 boxes!
Thank you also to these cereal collectors!
CTI Real Estate
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Century 21 Redwood
Universal Title
Coldwell Banker Elite King George/Colonial Beach
Topside Federal Credit Union
Regarday
Sample Ballot for the 2022 Leadership Slate of Candidates
Review the Sample Ballot-
2021 Election Slate for the 2022 FAAR Board of Directors announced
Get the info on the candidates—Read the candidates’ bios in the August edition of FAARSide.
“Additional candidates for the offices to be filled may be placed in nomination by signed petition of at least twenty percent* of the REALTOR® members. The petition shall be filed with the Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) by August 3, 2921. The Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) shall send notice of such additional nominations to all REALTOR® members before the election.”
(As of 7/12/2021 there are 1809 REALTOR® members. 362 names are needed to complete the petition requirement. Send to FAAR at pbreme@faarmembers.com, no later than August 3, 2021.)
Sample Ballot
Slate of Candidates- 2022 Leadership
Electronic Balloting begins August 17, ends September 15 at noon
FAAR offers electronic voting. The ballot will be sent in an email to each REALTOR® member on August 17. The balloting closes September 15 at noon. The results will be announced at 2:30 pm at a general membership meeting on the floor of the trade show. The results will be communicated to the entire membership soon after this announcement.
President Deb Ellis, Coldwell Banker Elite
President-Elect Carol Sondrini, Coldwell Banker Elite
Vice President Randy Walther, Nest Realty
Secretary Dawn Josemans, Coldwell Banker Elite
Treasurer Lauren Tate, Century 21 Redwood
Immediate Past President Carrie Danko, 1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Directors- Five candidates for three positions. Select up to three..
__ Nick Brown, Weichert, REALTORS®
__ Abby Fitzsimmons, Coldwell Banker Elite
__ Gary Gardiner, Jr., Coldwell Banker Elite
__ Stephanie Michael, Dodson Property Management
__ Matthew Rathbun, Coldwell Banker Elite
(Continuing from the 2021 Board- Clay Murray, Pathway Realty, Pia Contreas Sanchez, Prime Realty, Kardin Lillis, Weichert, REALTORS®)
Three candidates for 1 affiliate position. Select one.
__ Richard Bibb, Goosehead Insurance
__ Michele Freemyers, Ekko Title
__ Laura Pate Rodier, The Title Professionals
FAAR rations lockboxes due to Sentrilock’s manufacturing supply shortage
Global COVID-related supply shortages have affected the manufacturing of Sentrilock lockboxes. In order for FAAR to have boxes to sell during the shortage crunch, the following guidelines were established by staff and approved by the Board of Directors:
- The 2-for-1 lockbox sale has ended
- FAAR has 150 boxes in stock PLUS an additional 50 on order (The 150 will be sold first, before the new shipment)
- A set of batteries is given at purchase for the remaining boxes since they are the original boxes acquired at conversion
- No member may purchase more than 2 boxes at FAAR
- Members with a large supply may want to sell some of their boxes
- The procedure to sell a lockbox to another agent-
- The agent selling the lockbox must give a bill of sale to the Primary FAAR agent who is purchasing the box
- The bill of sale consists of the seller’s name, the buyer’s name, and the serial number of the lockbox
- The bill of sale is emailed to FAAR’s Membership Services Director Lori Hillard-Wehr, lhillardwehr@faarmembers.com (There is a transfer fee of $5.00 per lockbox due to FAAR at time of transfer)
The Membership Services Director logs into Sentrilock and transfers the lockbox from the seller to the buyer (The buyer must open the lockbox in order to take possession)
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Press Releases
More of the Same in March for Local Real Estate Market
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Carol Sondrini 540-373-7711news@faarmembers.com More of the Same in March for Local Real Estate MarketHigh prices, falling demand continue Fredericksburg, VA – (April 17, 2023) – The following analysis of the Fredericksburg, Virginia...
Real estate market demand continues to cool
February 2023 saw more of the same in the local real estate market with falling demand, rising prices, and increasing days on market. Total sold dollar volume was down 20% coming in at approximately $158.7 million compared to nearly $200 million in February of 2022. ...
Real estate prices continue to rise while demand craters
January 2023 saw demand crater compared to the highs of early 2022, but prices continued to rise with sizable jumps in nearly every locality. Units sold is the big story for this past month with more than 35% fewer homes changing hands than last year. January 2022...
2022 Real Estate Market Closes with High Prices, Declining Sales
2022 was a tumultuous year for the local real estate market with a fiery start to the year that began to moderate about halfway through due to rising interest rates and continued supply challenges. “The housing market always fluctuates. We had an intense seller’s...