Community Service
Our effort to improve local community living.
Volunteer with FAAR at the Food Bank on October 7, 2023
Community Service Committee Volunteer Opportunity
The Community Service Committee has scheduled a volunteer opportunity for 10 volunteers at 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 fine, bring to the Halloween Mixer or FAAR by October 26th and it will be counted as 1 box per $1.
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!
#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.
REALTOR® and Affiliate Members of FAAR Collect Over 18,000 Boxes of Cereal
Every year REALTOR® and Affiliate members of the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® reach out to their spheres on behalf of the annual FAAR cereal drive. Not only does participation in the drive help our community by providing food for those in need, but many members find it an easy way to reconnect with past clients and even acquire business without a sales pitch.
“I listed 2 homes yesterday. The reason they chose me? They’d heard of me, but my involvement in the cereal drive was why chose me. They had a REALTOR® friend too!”
“I was surprised at the response from the post cards. I send out something to my SOI every month. After the post cards went out, I heard from people I hardly ever hear from. I am a true believer and what a great cause! “
It’s been another amazing year for cereal collection! Thanks to the outstanding efforts of REALTOR® and Affiliate members, we are proud to announce the total raised —
18,567 boxes
Prize Winners
Most cereal collected by a REALTOR office — Long and Foster Fredericksburg (4,692 boxes)
Most cereal per agent — Cropper Home Sales (1,850 boxes)
Most cereal collected by an Affiliate office – Movement Mortgage (1,088 boxes)
Most improved — Coldwell Banker Elite Stafford (968 boxes)
Participants
1st Runner Up for cereal collected by a REALTOR Office – 1st Choice Better Homes & Land (4,296 boxes)
Aquia Realty
At Your Service Realty
Berkshire Hathway Home Services Pen Fed Fredericksburg
Berkshire Hathway Home Services Pen Fed King George
Berkshire Hathway Home Services Pen Fed Stafford
Century 21 New Millennium Fredericksburg
Century 21 Redwood Fredericksburg
Century 21 Redwood Locust Grove
Coldwell Banker Elite Downtown
CTI Real Estate
Exit Elite
eXp Realty
Keller Williams Capital Properties
Summit Mortgage
The Title Professionals
Topside Federal Credit Union
Ulta Realty
United Real Estate Premier
2022 REALTOR Cereal Drive Returns this October
The REALTOR® Cereal Drive is back!
2021 was an epic year for the annual REALTOR® cereal drive. Help us reach the 2022 goal of 18,000 boxes, all of which go to the 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 with your office and contact information by September 23rd.
Collected cereal can be dropped off at the October 27th 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 two-sided 8.5″x11″ flyer image to help with your marketing
Cereal Drive Office Contest Sign Up 2022
Yes.. I want my office to participate in the annual FAAR Cereal Drive.