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Apply for the 2024 FAAR Board of Directors
At FAAR, we are on the lookout for individuals who are driven, passionate and ready to take on leadership roles. We have had an incredible year with the addition of new leaders to our membership and committees, and we are excited to continue this momentum by expanding our team of exceptional individuals on the Board of Directors. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute your skills and experience to an organization that values growth, innovation and collaboration. Join us in our mission to make a positive impact in the real estate industry and beyond!
Are you interested in serving?
The Nominating Committee is accepting nominations until June 30th.
What is the Board anyway, and what does it do?
The Board is made up of 13 members (12 REALTORS® and 1 Affiliate) who set policy for the entire association. The group meets monthly to address issues, solve problems, and keep the association financially solvent by carefully managing funds and investments.
How many members are nominated and elected?
The Nominating Committee shall select one but not more than three nominees for each Director position to be filled. The candidate getting the highest number of votes from the general membership receives the position.
How long are the terms?
Director positions are for one, two, or three years. Officer positions are for one year, except Treasurer, which is for two years. The Affiliate Director position is for one year.
How do I express interest?
- The Candidate Profile Form to be reviewed by the Nominating Committee is here.
- Board Job Descriptions are here.
Return the completed Profile Form to:
Page Browning, CEO of FAAR
What’s next after I apply?
Eligible applicants will be notified of an interview time to occur in person at the FAAR office on July 19 or July 20.
Questions?
Please contact Page at pbrowning@faarmembers.com or reach out to any of our current leadership team at www.faarmembers.com/leadership.
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Macy Williams
Name
Macy Williams
Hometown
Spotsylvania, VA
Current Location
Spotsylvania, VA
Title
REALTOR®
Why do you love working in real estate?
I love serving the community that I’ve called home for 30 years. Connecting with people, building lasting relationships, and playing a role in their real estate journey is so rewarding.
Favorite Work Story
I was given the opportunity to help my best friend’s family sell her grandmother’s home. It was my first listing and everything went smoothly! It was and will always be such an honor to be trusted as a REALTOR®.
What are you most proud of in your career?
My very first real estate accomplishment – taking the class and passing the exam while on maternity leave with my newborn daughter AND with a 16-month-old little boy at home, too!
Fun Fact
I come from a family of REALTORS®. Combined, we have 187 years of experience!
Honoring Excellence: FAAR Announces Award Winners for 2022
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Awards Ceremony was held on April 19, 2023 at Brock’s Riverside Grill to celebrate the achievements of outstanding professionals in the industry for 2022. The event recognized excellence in various categories, including the Rookie of the Year, Good Neighbor Award, Manager of the Year, Silver Circle Award, Icon Award and more! The awards ceremony was an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of these professionals and showcase the positive impact they have on the real estate industry.
The Awards committee sends thanks to each and every nominator that provided a nomination recognizing a deserving FAAR member. It is important to recognize individuals going above and beyond to serve as an inspiration for all.
36 total awards were presented at the ceremony. The winners of each award category are listed below. Full awards descriptions can be found at faarmembers.com/awards.
Awards
YPN Travel Scholarship – Makaila Jones, Samson Properties
Melanie Thompson Award – Selina Kim, Summit Mortgage
Manager of the Year – Deanna Beltran, Ulta Realty
Spirit Award – Glenda Morales, Cropper Home Sales
Good Neighbor Award – Brittani Hill, Coldwell Banker Elite
Good Neighbor Award – Clay Murray, Pathway Realty
Affiliate of the Year – Sherrie Shaw, Summit Mortgage
DEI Travel Scholarship – Catrina Schmeidler, eXp Realty
Rookie of the Year – Joseph Goins, Ulta Realty
REALTOR of the Year – Deb Ellis, Coldwell Banker Elite
Icon Award – Linda Laub Canty, 1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Icon Award – John Cheadle, Service Realty
Silver Circle Award Recipients
Helen Chapman, HRC Properties
Kim Gunselman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
Dorothy Pett, Coldwell Banker Elite
David Smith, Century 21 Redwood Realty
Mark Worrilow, Fathom Realty
Professional Honor Roll Recipients
Valerie Dellandre
Century 21 New Millennium
Deb Ellis
Coldwell Banker Elite
Abby Fitzsimmons
Coldwell Banker Elite
Drew Fristoe
Coldwell Banker Elite
Allison Graves
Coldwell Banker Elite
DeAnna Hamn
1st Choice Better Homes and Land
Janet Holt
Holt for Homes
Lynn Lenahan
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Robin Marine
Coldwell Banker Elite
Brooke Miller
Long & Foster
Clay Murray
Pathway Realty
Sharon Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Carol Sondrini
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty
Sarah Stelmok
Nest Realty Group
Melissa Stewart
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty
Lauren Tate
Century 21 Redwood Realty
Penny Traber
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Randy Walther
Nest Realty Group
Sha Williams- Hinnant
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
View the pictures from the event here.
Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Maintains, Strengthens Focus on Fair Housing, Racial Equality
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) announced today that it will use a $2500 grant from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) ‘to provide Bias Override Training for local area REALTORS®’ at no cost as part of a FREE day of education on November 1st. The three-hour training will help real estate professionals interrupt stereotypical thinking so they can avoid fair housing pitfalls and provide equal professional service to every customer or client.
“Realtors® recognize the significance of the Fair Housing Act and reaffirm our commitment to upholding these laws and to offering fair, equitable service to every American in their search for homes and property,” said Carol Sondrini, REALTOR® and 2023 FAAR President.
As part of NAR’s new Fair Housing Action Plan, abbreviated ‘ACT,’ which emphasizes Accountability, Culture Change, and Training to ensure America’s 1.4 million Realtors® are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America, the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® is doing our part to solidify the role fair housing plays in our industry and in our communities. The training this grant provides will give attendees a history of bias in real estate, explain how implicit bias may result in violations of Fair Housing Laws and industry ethics, identify interventions to prevent implicit bias, and provide methods to increase personal motivation to confront these phenomena in their business and community.
NAR offers Fair Housing Grants to state and local Realtor® Associations around the country in effort to support a wide range of activities and initiatives, including fair housing education and curriculum development, fair housing partnerships with local organizations and fair housing commemoration ceremonies and events.
Details on the November 1st Day of Education will be announced soon. To learn more about National Association of Realtors® Fair Housing Grant program visit, https://realtorparty.realtor/state-local-issues/issues/fair-housing.html.
More of the Same in March for Local Real Estate Market
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carol Sondrini
540-373-7711
news@faarmembers.com
More of the Same in March for Local Real Estate Market
High prices, falling demand continue
Fredericksburg, VA – (April 17, 2023) – The following analysis of the Fredericksburg, Virginia area housing market has been prepared by the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® based on analysis of brightMLS multiple listing data.
March 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 nearly 30% coming in at approximately $204.6 million compared to more than $289.1 million in March of 2022. Units sold decreased by nearly 31% from last year with 452 homes sold in March versus 652 last year. Despite the continued dip in demand, prices rose more than 3% year-over-year, settling at $420,000 this year compared to $406,500 in March of 2022.
FAAR Board of Director Meghan Kala comments, “March really proved itself to be the kick start to the spring real estate market, and our buyers are out in full swing. Many buyers who put the brakes on last year have chosen not to wait any longer on the volatile interest rates. They are stepping out into the growing pool of consumers in a low inventory market. Because of this, we’ve been seeing multiple offer situations, buyers waiving home inspections, and the return of appraisal gap coverages. Smart and prepared sellers should be able to cash in on their advantages as we continue into the busy months ahead!”
Days on market, the time it takes from when a listing enters the market until it receives a ratified contract and is removed from active status on the multiple listing service, increased 106% up to 37 days this March compared to just 18 days last year.
Inventory was up 23% in March, finishing out the month with 693 active listings compared to 562 last year. New listings were down nearly 37% from last year with 948 homes coming on the market in March of 2022 compared to 602 this past month. New pending sales were down nearly 36% in March, with 509 pending contracts compared to 795 last March.
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About the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS®
Founded in 1957, the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) is the trade association for more than 1,700 Realtor® and affiliate members serving the City of Fredericksburg, the Counties of Caroline, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, along with the Colonial Beach area of Westmoreland County. Members also work in the surrounding counties of Westmoreland, Louisa, and Prince William and in Northern Virginia. For more information about FAAR, visit www.faarmembers.com or contact Kim McClellan, Public Policy Director at kmcclellan@faarmembers.com or 540-373-7711.
#MemberMonday: Meet REALTOR® Amal Hall
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
Amal Hall
Hometown
Springfield
Current Location
Fredericksburg
Title
REALTOR®
Why do you love working in real estate?
I know real estate is a powerful tool that can help increase financial stability and wealth for many people all across America. I want to help as many people as I can achieve this goal and so much more.
Favorite Work Story
Purchasing my first home with my husband within my first year of real estate. We know this house is just a starter one for us, but we can’t wait to grow our family and create so many memories in it. I speak so highly of owning real estate because I went through what many Americans were experiencing over the last few years. We were worried about the market but knew that as long as we got something in our budget, it will create the stepping stones we need for generational wealth.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m proud of the work ethic I bring every day and the young, new positivity energy I bring to the industry. I think there are many new technologies and ideas that are going to change over the next decade and I can’t wait to experience all of it.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I always try to donate blood as much as I can and attend Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Fredericksburg as often as possible.
Fun Fact
In my free time I like to play computer, board, and card games!
#MemberMonday: Meet REALTOR® Michael Blodgett
Name
Michael Blodgett
Hometown
Fredericksburg
Current Location
Fredericksburg
Title
Realtor®
Why do you love working in real estate?
There are many reasons why I love working in real estate as a Realtor. I love being involved in the community and being able to educate my neighbors to help them make the best decisions for their real estate purchases.
Working in real estate allows me to be my own boss and set my own schedule. I can work around my family’s schedule and still have time for my hobbies and volunteer work. I also enjoy the challenges that come with working in real estate and the satisfaction of helping people find their perfect home.
The real estate industry is always changing and evolving, which keeps me on my toes and engaged in my work. I love being able to learn new things and apply them to my business.
I am passionate about making a difference in my community and being a positive force in the real estate industry. I believe that education is key when it comes to making good decisions about purchasing a home, and I enjoy being able to share my knowledge with others.
Favorite Work Story
Working in real estate is a great way to build relationships and connect with people. I have met some amazing people through my work, and I am always excited to help my clients find their perfect home. I have so many interesting and good stories from clients, but I think one of my favorites is a simple story of a single mom doing her absolute best! A friend of mine, whom thought she could never own her own home, being a single mom, bought her first home with my help! I went through all the options that were available to her and it was amazing to see her demeanor change as she realized home-ownership was possible for her. All she ever wanted was a place to call home for her and her girls. Well, fast forward a year or two into the future, and I see her Facebook posts of the girls playing with friends at the house and seeing her comments about being fully content and happy with where she is. NOTHING can compare to the happiness I feel seeing her continue to love her home and build a beautiful life for her and the girls. I couldn’t be more thankful that I got to go through this experience with her; and because of situations like this I don’t think I will ever leave this industry.
What are you most proud of in your career?
In my real estate career, I am most proud of being able to lead by example for members of the community to get more involved and take better care of themselves and their neighbors. I believe that by taking care of our homes and communities, we can make a positive impact on the world around us.
I love being able to show others that it is possible to make a difference in the world, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to do so through my work in real estate. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a positive difference in the world, and I am committed to helping others realize that potential. I am not in real estate just to make money, I want to make Fredericksburg the best place to live for every client I sell a home to.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I frequently donate to the FXBG SPCA as I adore all animals. I have been able to adopt families for Christmas with my brokerage to provide presents to families in need. I recently signed up to volunteer time with Downtown Greens and be a Free Fridge Hero, which I am very excited for! In addition to that, our Real Estate Team, Property Lovers Real Estate Group LLC, has been able to host a monthly community cleanup with the help of community members that continue to grow in numbers. I have and will continue to donate some of my time to the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank at least once a month as well. Lastly, we have started a community gardening project to get more members of the community to grow their own produce garden in the spring, so we can’t wait to see how that turns out! I am currently looking into obtaining a gardening plot at a local community garden in Lee’s Hill to provide pumpkins to those who can’t afford one during Halloween.
Fun Fact
I have lived in the Fredericksburg area my entire life (25 Years) and I believe that is why I am so passionate about pouring into our community! Funny enough, as a kid I always wanted to be in the Air Force, but then decided on coding and networking when I found out my bad-back was way beyond the point that they would allow me in the service. Fast forward another 10 years and here I am practicing Real Estate when the thought had never crossed my mind to get into this business! Life has a funny way of getting us where we need to go y’all!
#MemberMonday: Meet REALTOR® Tamar Myers-Moffatt
Name
Tamar Myers-Moffatt
Hometown
Queens, New York
Current Location
Stafford, Virginia
Title
Associate Broker, Samson Properties
Why do you love working in real estate?
I love working in real estate because I genuinely have a heart to serve people. I feel blessed to be able to use aspects from my college degrees, life lessons, and experience to help leverage the best contract terms for my clients. (I am very competitive!) I also enjoy practicing real estate because I get to both work with and learn from wide-ranging groups of people. When I think of my day-to-day activities, I would not trade being an entrepreneur for a traditional job or career.
Favorite Work Story
My favorite work story is when I found the perfect home for my friend Brittany. Brittany was the ideal client in many ways (scores, income, employment); except for one. She was nonchalant about how quickly she wanted to purchase. Brittany provided me a specific list about what she wanted in her next home. So I set up a drip campaign in Bright for myself. I wanted to preview any viable options before I presented them to her. One day, I received a coming soon alert. The home was exactly what Brittany wanted… except bigger, nicer and newer. This home was FABULOUS!! I contacted the listing agent immediately. He remarked that he couldn’t believe I called as he was still working on edits! We were the first scheduled showing appointment and the first written offer the seller received. We won the contract and closed on the home. Whenever I visit, I can’t help but feel like “This is Our house!”.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of my sister when she purchased her home in Woodbridge. My mom was visiting here from South Carolina and wanted to see homes for my sister to buy. I explained to her that Taryn hadn’t spoken with a lender so instead of viewing homes I’ll just email over listings. Big mistake. My mom immediately overruled me and directed me to show them their selected homes. lol!! The second home we saw was The One! We called the lender, she was qualified for more than the asking price. Long story short we’ve spent several birthdays, holidays, sleepovers, you name it.. at my younger sister’s house.
Lesson 1: my mom is and will always be the Boss!
Lesson 2: see lesson 1.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I was recently appointed to serve on the Stafford County School Board’s gifted advisory committee. I feel blessed to work with people who are sincerely committed to improving the classroom experience and ongoing development of students throughout the county.
Fun Fact
I am the funniest person I know. I make myself laugh all the time!
2023 Spring FAARside Newsletter now available
Your copy of FAAR’s Spring Newsletter, the FAARside is here! Crack open a copy to learn about what’s going on at the Association including a letter from the President, a letter from the CEO, general assembly update, and more!
This edition of the publication includes
- Thank you to RPAC investors
- an update on the Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation
- information on local housing policies
- FAAR 360: 2022 in Review
and more!
Right click here or the image and click “Save as” to download
#MemberMonday: Meet REALTOR® Alexandra Novogradac
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
Alexandra Novogradac
Hometown
Locust Grove
Current Location
Bumpass
Why do you love working in real estate?
I have come to love the process of helping people in real estate. I strive to teach first-time home buyers on the right way and the best ways to own their first home. It brings me so much happiness to know that everything I do will help them in life. Owning a home brings so much power in one’s life and I love being a part of their journey. I put myself to very high standards and assure my clients I work with ethical beliefs and passion. I have enjoyed the immense amount of work I have put in with my Broker and I couldn’t be happier working with a powerful woman like that.
Favorite Work Story
My very first client was with my sister! It was her first home and to be a part of her journey together couldn’t have been more magical. She put her trust in me like no one else ever has and it ended up working out in the best way. She was one of the first to get seller subsidy in the middle of 2021 and we never quite realized how wonderful that was until months later. She was so happy to finally live out on her own with her soon-to-be husband and the process just made us that much closer.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Being able to help buyers and educate people on real estate.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I volunteer at The Heart Stitchers! It is a place where I can bring my crochet talents to a bigger meaning. I crochet items such as blankets, hats, toys, etc. and donate the items to people in need. I like to sit in the room with the other volunteers and talk but we can also just drop off items we make at home.
Fun Fact
I like to play around with makeup and do some fun and vibrant looks.
Press Releases
Prices continue to rise despite falling demand in housing market
The regional median home price was up again in October, despite shrinking demand heading into the winter season. The median sold price settled at $440,000 this month compared to $425,000 in October of 2022, representing a nearly 4% year-over-year increase. Units...
Inventory Low, Prices High in the Local Housing Market
The weather might be cooling off, but local home prices certainly are not. The region’s median sold price was up nearly 4% in September coming in at $435,000 compared to $420,000 last September. Volume of sales continues its downward trend posting a nearly 17%...
Sell at Lake Anna in Louisa County? Take action against short-term rental restrictions!
Louisa County has spent the last 18 months crafting short-term rental regulations. A working group recently reported a revised version of an ordinance to the Planning Commission. This draft is the least restrictive of all that's come out of these discussions. This...
Celebrating Excellence: FAAR Honorees Shine at the 2023 Virginia REALTORS® Awards Event
Wednesday's Virginia REALTORS® awards event in Richmond was a night to remember, filled with excitement and celebration. We are thrilled to announce and congratulate our very own Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) members who received well-deserved...