Community Service
Our effort to improve local community living.Celebrating Success: FAAR’s 2024 Awards Dinner and Celebration Shines a Spotlight on Real Estate Excellence
(April 25, 2024) The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) hosted its annual Awards event on April 17th, 2024 at the Woolen Mill, bringing together industry leaders to honor the personal and professional achievements of its members. The event highlighted the dedication, hard work, and community impact of FAAR’s real estate professionals over the past year.
The Awards committee sends thanks to everyone who provided a nomination recognizing a deserving FAAR member.
The highlight of the night was the awards presentation, emceed by Immediate Past President Carol Sondrini, where numerous professionals were recognized across various categories. The celebration also included a silent auction benefitting RPAC that concluded just before the awards presentation. The night rounded off with dancing and networking, providing a joyful end to the festivities. 2024 FAAR President Randy Walther, closed the event with a note of thanks, appreciating the generous RPAC contributions and congratulating all the award winners.
FAAR would like to extend a sincere thank you to all sponsors and vendors who contributed to making the event a memorable occasion. Their continued support plays a crucial role in the association’s ongoing success and community involvement.
If you would like to catch a glimpse of the moments from the event, please visit FAAR’s facebook page at facebook.com/faarmembers where pictures will be posted soon.
Honors/Award Recipients
YPN Travel Scholarship
Kristi Murphy
Long and Foster
Faces of FAAR Travel Scholarship
Denise Benedetto
Samson Properties
Icon Award
Don Seay
1st Choice Better Homes and Land
REALTOR® of the YEAR
Dawn Josemans
Coldwell Banker Elite
Hall of Fame Award
Matthew Rathbun
Coldwell Banker Elite
Good Neighbor Award
Beth Pannell
1st Choice Better Homes and Land
Rookie of the Year
Sheronica Thompson
Coldwell Banker Elite
Manager of the Year
David Cropper
Cropper Homes Sales, LLC
Affiliate of the Year
Selina Bryant
Summit Funding, Inc.
Spirit Award
C. Lynn Lenahan
1st Choice Better Homes and Land
REALTORS® Choice Award
Amy Adams
Ink Homes and Lifestyle
Melanie Thompson Award
Nathanial Ferguson
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Penfed Realty
Silver Circle Award
Christopher Calamos
Coldwell Banker Elite
Bettina Grein
Help U Sell Grein Group
Carol Holley
Lorac Property Management, Inc.
Peggy Lowe
Century 21 Coastal Lifestyles
Geraldine Ludwig
Secured Property Management
Gary Nance
Nance & Associates Realtors
Professional Honor Roll
Jennifer Burton
City Chic Real Estate
Jennifer Caison
Coldwell Banker Elite
Valerie Dellandre
Century 21 New Millennium
Deb Ellis
Coldwell Banker Elite
Abby Fitzsimmons
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
Drew Fristoe
Coldwell Banker Elite
Gary Gardiner, Jr.
Coldwell Banker Elite
Allison Graves
Coldwell Banker Elite
Amal Hall
Samson Companies
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
Clay Murray
Pathway Realty
Tamar Myers-Moffatt
Samson Companies
Melissa Stewart
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
Anna Torres
Long and Foster
Penny Traber
1st Choice Better Homes and Land
Sha Williams- Hinnant
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
#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.
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Melissa Longton
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
#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.
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Kendric Walpole
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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!
