Community Service

Our effort to improve local community living.
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Denise Benedetto

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Denise Benedetto

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
Denise Benedetto

Hometown
Washington, D.C.

Current Location
Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Title
REALTOR®, PSA, LHC, Notary, Co-Broker Saba Group, CRE

Why do you love working in real estate?
Working in real estate is a fulfilling journey filled with daily surprises. It provides a unique chance to engage with people deeply and help them achieve their residential and commercial aspirations. Building trust within the communities I serve is immensely rewarding and speaks volumes regardless of market conditions.

Favorite Work Story 
A client intended to purchase a residential property located at 1902 ½ Street, featuring two bedrooms and two baths. However, during the home inspection and appraisal, both parties mistakenly visited the property at 1902 Street, which was also on the market. Fortunately, we recognized the absence of the “1/2” in the address and prevented the buyer from inadvertently purchasing the property at 1902 Street, which already had a pending buyer!

What are you most proud of in your career?
I take great pride in the growth I’ve achieved as an agent, thanks to the invaluable guidance of my mentors at SAMSON Properties and the leadership at FAAR. My affiliation with these esteemed organizations underscores the high standards of professionalism, depth of industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to service they uphold. Engaging in committee and community service through these platforms ensures that I stay current and continue to be a valuable resource for individuals seeking expert assistance in buying, leasing, or selling real estate.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
While I may not champion a specific cause, I am actively involved in volunteering. I hold the position of Secretary within my community’s HOA and serve as the Chair of the Landscape Committee. Additionally, I am a Committee Member of the Orange County Tourism Advisory Committee. Within FAAR, I contribute to three committees. Furthermore, I engage in public speaking and performances related to American history, serve as a mobile notary, and fulfill duties as an Officer of Election.

Fun Fact
I absolutely love the phrase “Go Fly A Kite” because I take it quite literally! I have a collection of kites in different sizes, made of various materials, and featuring diverse shapes. I even have some extras to share with others. Whenever the sun is shining and the wind is just right, you’ll often find me out there, soaring high! It’s not just about play; it’s a magical escape that allows me to daydream and take a little getaway, even if it’s just for a short time.

benedetto, denise REALTOR®
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Melissa Longton

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Melissa Longton

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
Melissa Longton

Hometown
Clifton Park, New York

Current Location
Stafford, Virginia

Title
Realtor® & Dog Lover

Why do you love working in real estate?
I love working in real estate because it’s all about connecting with people, understanding their dreams, and helping them achieve homeownership goals. The joy of turning those aspirations into reality is what makes every day in this field truly fulfilling.

Favorite Work Story
I have a few, The really good ones are Top Secret… I like to refer to them as Mis-Ådventures

What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m most proud of seamlessly assisting numerous families in relocating, ensuring a smooth transition during a crucial time in their lives. Helping them settle into new homes and communities brings me immense satisfaction, and it’s a privilege to play a role in such significant life changes.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
I’m a passionate advocate for small business owners and locally owned establishments. Devoting time to volunteering at our local food bank is something I hold dear. Additionally, for the past five years, I’ve been contributing to my clients’ chosen charities on their behalf, fostering a sense of community and giving back.

Fun Fact
A fun fact about me is my deep affection for animals, particularly dogs. My 5-pound teacup Yorkie holds a special place in my heart and is my cherished best friend #justfrankiebeingfrank

Melissa Longton headshot
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Bethany Neher

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Bethany Neher

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
Bethany Neher

Hometown
Hampton

Current Location
Fredericksburg

Title
REALTOR®

Why do you love working in real estate?
I love meeting and helping new people. I love the diversity in the day to day hustle of this career.

What are you most proud of in your career?
My career is only just beginning but so far, I am proud of how quickly I am learning and feeling good about my start. I have a great team behind me, I have my first client which happens to be a million-dollar client and I am looking forward to everything I am going to accomplish in this career.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
I don’t like to stick to one cause necessarily. I like to pick a couple every year that I dedicate my time to. So far this year I have connected with a woman that runs an animal rescue and I plan to devote a lot of time to her and her cause in the coming months.

Tina Keene Exit Elite Realty

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Kendric Walpole

#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Kendric Walpole

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
Kendric Walpole

Hometown
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Current Location
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Title
Realtor®

Why do you love working in real estate?
I love working in real estate, because it gives me the opportunity to help people I just met. This industry has us constantly getting to know numerous people throughout a transaction. However, I most like the ability to help first time home buyers navigate through the process. It is always a privilege to share in their excitement!

What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of the personal development that this career has provided. Being a Realtor forces an individual to be proactive rather than just reactive. You also get to learn so much throughout your experiences, whether interpersonal communication skills or landscaping techniques to divert water from a house. There is just so much growth to be had.

Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time? 
Currently I am volunteering as the Community Services Manager with FAAR’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). I spent many years of my life growing up doing community service activities such as cleaning the river, refurbishing picnic areas at local battlefields, food drives, and more. I am glad that I have the opportunity, and help, to dive into that again with YPN!

Fun Fact
A fun fact about me is that I used to be a professional performer in live theater. I sang, danced, and acted for over 10 years of my life. Though I haven’t done anything like that in a few years, the real estate profession does give the schedule flexibility to perform. There may be something like that again for me in the future.

Tina Keene Exit Elite Realty
2023 Cereal Drive Results

2023 Cereal Drive Results

REALTORS® and Affiliates members did a tremendous job of seeking out cereal this year! Members and friends ended up collecting 18,639 boxes of shelf-stable food for our community.

Who won?

Affiliate collecting the most boxes

Nationwide Mortgage Bankers – 400 boxes

Most Cereal Per Agent

1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 4,443 boxes 

Most Improved

Next Home Stellar Realty – 440 boxes 

Runner-ups Most Cereal

Century 21 New Millennium Fredericksburg – 5,137 boxes

Grand Prize

Long and Foster Fredericksburg – 5,260 boxes

 

Thank you also to these cereal collectors!

Century 21 Redwood – Locust Grove/ Fredericksburg

Coldwell Banker Elite Downtown

Cropper Home Sales

Ulta Realty

Mark Geslock

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Pen Fed Realty Stafford

Long and Foster Lake Anna

Coldwell Banker Elite Stafford

Keller Williams Capital Properties Fredericksburg

Holt for Homes

Century 21 Redwood

Next Home Stellar Realty

Volunteer with FAAR and the Food Bank on October 7, 2023

Volunteer with FAAR and the Food Bank on October 7, 2023

Community Service Committee Volunteer Opportunity

The Community Service Committee has scheduled a volunteer opportunity for 10 volunteers with the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank for Saturday, October 7th from 8:45 AM to noon to pack food boxes for seniors.

Signing up to Volunteer

Anyone who will be volunteering will need to email lzuza@faarmembers.com AND register as a volunteer through fredfood.org. After you create an account and/or are registered through fredfood.org for the October 7th event,  you will be added as a “team member” to the volunteer opportunity.

Children 10 and up can volunteer too! 

In addition to being open to FAAR members and friends, children 10 years old and up can participate as well, as long as they’re accompanied by a parent/guardian. Please complete the below Youth Consent Form and email it to Dominique Thomas via scan or email.

Youth Volunteer Consent Form

Questions

Thank you and reach out to lzuza@faarmembers.com if you have any questions.

Celebrating Excellence: FAAR Honorees Shine at the 2023 Virginia REALTORS® Awards Event

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 honors and recognition. Their hard work, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the real estate community have not gone unnoticed.

Clay Murray – 2023 Virginia REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award

Clay Murray was honored with the prestigious 2023 Virginia REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities. Clay’s commitment to helping others and his dedication to improving the lives of those around him make him a true Good Neighbor. We are incredibly proud of you, Clay!


Sha Williams-Hinnant – 2023 Virginia CRS of the Year

Another shining star of the night was Sha Williams-Hinnant. Sha was named the 2023 Virginia Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) of the Year. This award recognizes excellence and expertise in residential real estate, and Sha has proven time and again that she is at the top of her game. Congratulations, Sha, on this incredible achievement!


Tamar Myers-Moffatt, 2024 Virginia REALTORS® Board of Directors


Drew Fristoe, 2024 Virginia REALTORS® Board of Directors

Tamar Myers-Moffatt and Drew Fristoe have been installed to the 2024 Virginia REALTORS® Board of Directors. This is a testament to their leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing the real estate industry. We have no doubt that they will continue to serve with excellence.

Congratulations to all our FAAR honorees! Your achievements are a source of inspiration to us all, and we are proud to have you as part of our FAAR family. Thank you for your hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment to the real estate profession. Here’s to a bright future filled with continued success and accomplishments!

REALTOR® Cereal Drive returns this October

REALTOR® Cereal Drive returns this October

The REALTOR® Cereal Drive is back!

2022 was an amazing year for the annual REALTOR® cereal drive. Help us beat our 2022 numbers and reach the 2023 goal of 20,000 boxes, all of which go to local area food banks! Use the cereal drive as a way to reconnect with your sphere and look for REALTOR®-branded marketing pieces (post-card and flyer) to enhance efforts of collecting cereal from clients and customers.

Let us know if your office plans to participate by emailing Barbara Castillo McGrath with your office and contact information by October 3rd.

Collected cereal can be dropped off at the October 26th 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!

Download this square image to help with your marketing

Download this square image to help with your marketing

Download this 8.5"x11" flyer to help with your marketing

Download the customizable 8.5″x11″ flyer to help with your marketing

or open the customizable 8.5″x11″ as a canva template 

FAQ

*Not attending the mixer?  Just drop directly at the food bank and inform Barbara Castillo McGrath of your box count by October 26 at bcastillo@faarmembers.com.

* Want your cereal to go to a different food bank/pantry?  No problem, take it wherever you like and send cereal counts by October 26 to bcastillo@faarmembers.com.

* Have too much cereal to bring to the Halloween Mixer Barbara Castillo McGrath will arrange a pick up for you, please email bcastillo@faarmembers.com by October 23.

*Collecting cash instead?  That’s great! Bring the donation to the Halloween Mixer or FAAR by October 26th and it will be counted as $1 = 1 Box!

Cereal Drive Office Contest Sign Up 2023

Yes.. I want my office to participate in the annual FAAR Cereal Drive.

#MemberMonday: Meet REALTOR® Amal Hall

#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!

Tina Keene Exit Elite Realty
#MemberMonday: Meet REALTOR® Michael Blodgett

#MemberMonday: Meet REALTOR® Michael Blodgett

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
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!

Tina Keene Exit Elite Realty

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