Community Service
Our effort to improve local community living.
2020 Realtor Cereal Collection Drive Results
REALTORS® and Affiliates did a tremendous job of seeking out cereal this year! YOU CRUSHED the goal of 16,000 boxes and ended up collecting 28,022 boxes of shelf-stable food for our community.
Who won?
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
How about a BONUS for your landlords???
Do you represent landlords throughout the region? Do you have some available properties? Then you’ll want to check out this program from our local non-profit partners that will house homeless families AND get your landlords a signing bonus! Read on for more details…
From Micah Ministries, administrator of the Stable Homes Partnership which serves Empowerhouse, Loisann’s Hope House, Micah and the Thurman Brisben Center
Recent CARES Act funding has presented an immediate opportunity for the Fredericksburg region to permanently re-house those experiencing homelessness. With your help, the majority of those currently staying in the community’s emergency shelters could be housed by Christmas. Our goal is to get 95 households housed in the next 90 days.
LANDLORDS: DOUBLE your rent for the first month!
Landlords have an extraordinary opportunity to join homeless services in ending homelessness in the Fredericksburg region! Sign a lease with a household experiencing homelessness between October 1 and Christmas Eve (December 24) and receive a signing bonus in addition to the regular security deposit and the first month’s rent. Your signing bonus will equal one month of rent. It is free and is our way of saying thank you for doing your part to end homelessness in the Fredericksburg region.
Make a house a HOME this Christmas!
Micah congregations have developed a system to collect donated furniture and household items. They will then distribute them to those who need it. Drop off gently used sofas, beds, tables, chairs, dressers and other household essentials at 1212 Lafayette Blvd., Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm or complete our online donation form to arrange a pick-up.
Want to get involved in the program? Call 540-760-3310 to connect with the Community Housing Locator.
Virginia REALTORS® Announces 2020 Good Neighbor Award Recipients
RICHMOND, Va. (October 1, 2020) – Virginia REALTORS® celebrates its 2020 awardees. The association conducted its annual awards ceremony through its first-ever virtual awards show on September 30, 2020. The ceremony recognized excellence in various areas of real estate, along with notable community contributions. These awardees were selected by a committee of peers as standouts among an association of 35,000 members.
The Virginia REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award recognizes REALTOR® members who make a positive impact on their community and gifts the organization through which they volunteer time and talents. This annual award seeks to highlight, inspire, and perpetuate the individual contributions within the real estate industry toward improving the lives of citizens in Virginia.
Each winner will receive a $500 award, which will go to the to the 501(c)(3) non-profit/charity with which the Virginia REALTOR® Good Neighbor is involved.
The Virginia REALTORS® 2020 Good Neighbor Awardees are:
- Sarah Moorman of the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®, volunteering on behalf of Generosity Feeds
- Jim Napier of the Richmond Association of REALTORS®, volunteering on behalf of the Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University
- Chip Taylor of the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS®, volunteering on behalf of Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street
- Patricia “Trish” Snyder of the Massanutten Association of REALTORS®, volunteering on behalf of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and
- Linda Wolf of the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®, volunteering on behalf of Mission M-4, in partnership with the Walter Reed Society.
To see the entire list of this year’s winners, click here.
For headshots of award winners, please contact Robin Spensieri at rspensieri@virginiarealtors.org.
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About Virginia REALTORS®
Virginia REALTORS® (previously known as the Virginia Association of REALTORS®) is one of the largest professional trade associations in Virginia, representing 35,000 REALTORS® engaged in the residential and commercial real estate business. Virginia REALTORS® serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners and represents the interests of property owners in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information, visit www.virginiarealtors.org or follow Virginia REALTORS® on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Virginia REALTORS® is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2020.
NOTE: The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Top of Form
Contact: Robin Spensieri, Vice President of Communications & Media Relations
Email: rspensieri@virginiarealtors.org
Telephone: 404.433.6015
#MemberMonday | Meet REALTOR® Jennifer Hennessy
Name
Jennifer Hennessy
Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA
Current Location
Stafford, VA
Title
Principal Broker/REALTOR®, The Bacon Group Inc.
Number of Years in the Industry
5
Why do you love working in real estate?
I love working with people to make their dreams of home ownership come true. My co-workers say that I have never met a stranger! I’m very data driven so I enjoy looking at comps and working with buyers and sellers to see all important factors for such a huge decision.
Favorite Work Story
I love animals of all species, they just catch my attention and hold on to my heart. Sandy and I were showing a house in NOVA and the owner had 3 dogs, a giant talking bird, and cages with snakes ect. Sandy and the buyers were like “nope” we are out of here. And before I knew it they were all gone and in their cars, I was standing on the front porch with a dog in each arm and one leaning against me and yelling “Oh so none of you want to see the rest of the house? ” That was a big no for them!
What are you most proud of in your career?
Any time a buyer or seller walks away very happy, makes me very proud. Also, studying and passing my broker’s exam.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
Special Education and especially children with Autism. I was an Autism Teacher for 15 years and now to stay involved I volunteer as a parent advocate. I also love helping the animal shelters with donations and cancer organizations.
Fun Fact
I have way to many hobbies!!!
#Member Monday | Meet REALTOR® Monica O’Donnell
Name
Monica O’Donnell
Hometown
Maracaibo, Venezuela
Current Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Title
REALTOR®, Long and Foster
Number of Years in the Industry
1st time in 2005. Now Active for 2 months
Why do you love working in real estate?
I have been an entrepreneur for 18 years and own a local business in the City of Fredericksburg for the last 13 years.
I love to interact with people, and Real Estate allows me to do that.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Came as immigrant 21 years ago, without speaking word of english, at age 30, and to be able to be financially independent and become an entrepreneur in just 3 years after arriving, I have definitely reached the American Dream.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I’m active member of Saint Mary’s Catholic church, I serve as lector jointly with my son who is an Altar Server, and assistant in RICA for adults in spanish, also I’m the president of a nonprofit organization SINOVA, being the main purpose to Network the spanish community in their different needs as legal, education and health.
Fun Fact
I still have a strong accent when I speak, and I love when some people are not paying attention when I speak and say to me “I don’t speak Spanish” and I replied “I’m speaking English” is funny to see their faces. LOL
Let’s Crush Hunger with the 2020 REALTOR Cereal Drive
Go coo-coo for cereal collection!
2019 was a FANTASTIC year for the annual REALTOR® cereal drive. Help us reach the 2020 goal of 18,000 boxes, all of which go to the local area food banks.
Use the cereal drive as a touch point.
The cereal drive is a fantastic way to reconnect with your sphere— Look for REALTOR®-branded marketing pieces (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 Mackenzie Rathbun with your office and contact information by September 26th.
Cereal Drop Off & Cash Donations
Collected cereal can be dropped off at FAAR between 9AM and 5PM on 10/29 and 10/30 or for large pick-ups, the Fredericksburg food van can be scheduled to pick up from your location. Please email MacKenzie at mrathbun@faarmembers.com with your final box tally by October 30th. If you, or someone donating on your office’s behalf, selects to donate money directly to the food bank we would just need a receipt to have it counted as part of your final total. Each dollar donated to local food banks is equal to two boxes of cereal!
Cereal Drive Results
Results of the cereal collection will be announced November 2nd. Scroll down to see who participated in last year’s cereal drive!
2020 Realtor Cereal Drive
Sign up here to be included in communications regarding the annual cereal drive that lasts throughout the month of October!Key items to remember:
October 1-29—Collect cereal! Let MacKenzie Rathbun (mrathbun@faarmembers.com) know if you need postcards.
October 29—If you have more than 250 boxes, just let MacKenzie know and she will arrange pick up. if you had your cereal picked up — PLEASE CONTACT MACKENZIE WITH BOX COUNT
October 29 & 30— Drop off cereal (less than 250 boxes) to FAAR. Cereal can be dropped between 9 AM and 5 PM
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!
Who participated in 2019?
Affiliate collecting the most Boxes
Sandra and Phillip Blake with MBH Settlement with 156 boxes
Most Improved
Long and Foster – from 2,308 boxes in 2018 to 3,861 boxes
Grand Prize
1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 5,214 boxes
All Participants
1st Choice Better Homes and Land
Century 21 New Millennium
Long and Foster Fredericksburg
Coldwell Banker Elite Stafford
United Real Estate Premier
Century 21 Redwood-Locust Grove
Lake Anna Realty
Coldwell Banker Elite Massaponax
Nest Realty
Coldwell Banker Elite Spotsylvania
MBH Settlement
The Gillies Team with RE/MAX Real Estate Connections
Century 21 Redwood Fredericksburg
Keller Williams Fredericksburg
Coldwell Banker Elite Fredericksburg
Spring Arbor
RE/MAX Legacy
FAAR
The Title Professionals
Century 21 Redwood Stafford
Virginia CU Realty
Exit Elite Realty
Exit Realty Group
Weichert Realtors
Atlantic Coast Mortgage
RE/MAX Supercenter
Coldwell Banker Elite King George
Keller Williams Capital Properites
CTI Real Estate
Holt for Homes
Thank you all!
#Member Monday | Meet REALTOR® Ruby Brabo
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
Ruby Brabo
Hometown
Baton Rouge, LA
Current Location
King George & Stafford
Title
REALTOR®, Long & Foster Fredericksburg
Number of Years in the Industry
1 month
Why do you love working in real estate?
As a former local elected official, I enjoyed meeting all kinds of people and helping to solve issues. Real estate allows me to continue to meet all kinds of people and help them in a different way.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Being so new, at this point I am just excited about the new opportunity I have chosen to pursue.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I support the Dahlgren Heritage Railroad Trail whenever possible. It is one of the greatest assets of King George County for outdoor recreation.
Fun Fact
I serve on the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees and the Virginia Rural Center Board of Directors. I enjoy running, biking and hiking.
#Member Monday | Meet REALTOR Anne Corbin
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
Anne Corbin
Hometown
Unionville VA
Current Location
Mineral VA
Title
REALTOR® with Long and Foster
Number of Years in the Industry
7
Why do you love working in real estate?
I enjoy assisting people with their real estate needs. The flexibility I have with this job enables me to successfully juggle the demands of wife, mom, grandmother and daughter.
Favorite Work Story
I met Mr & Mrs. H when they looked at a log cabin in Madison. They passed on this REO but found another they wanted to buy. Using an escalation clause, we won the bid! BUT, there was pending litigation causing a cloud on the title. We ultimately voided the contract. The property sat vacant for 2 years. Another client contacted me to tour the property and I grabbed one of the flyers from the table. This client wasn’t interested so I mailed the flyer to Mr & Mrs H, who replied “you’re a temptress!” They chose to view the house again and, after a few trials & tribulations, including a bat in the house, we were able to successfully close on their dream log home!
What are you most proud of in your career?
I have worked hard to beat my personal goals each year and strive to keep in touch continuously with previous clients. I want them to know I am always here for them and any others they know that might need a good agent in the area.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I am a member of the Belmont Club of Women and served the past two years as Secretary and Treasurer. We raise money to donate as scholarships and to charitable organizations including food banks.
Fun Fact
I am a first time grandmother (he’s 3 months old) and I am blessed that my daughter and her husband chose to move from SC to VA in May. I have “lived” with my grandson since he came home from the hospital.
2021 REALTOR Dues Announcement – Dues available for payment August 1st
Dues Announcement:
2021 Dues for REALTORS® will be open for payment August 1st.
Pay by September 30th to avoid the $25 late fee.
What if I miss the September 30th dues deadline?
Submit your dues payment and late fee by December 31st to keep your membership active and avoid the $275 reapplication fee.
Your dues bill notice will come via email—you will not receive a paper bill.
Take advantage of your member benefits
Drop Box
Receipt
AFFILIATES: Dues for Affiliates will open for payment September 1st.
Do not pay this invoice if you plan to be an AMP in 2020. Ready to boost your marketing in our AMP program? Please let Lori in Membership know at lhillardwehr@faarmembers.com.
Affiliates can disregard the tax information displayed during the dues payment process as that only applies to REALTOR® members.
How Community Service Can Help Grow Your Business
Last Sunday July 12, a group of REALTORS® and other community members gathered at Hurkamp park for a community beautification project. We sat down with the organizer of the event Chip Taylor of Long and Foster to talk about why community service is so important and how it contributes to your business.
Listen to the full podcast here
Why Community Service Is Important
When asked why he felt community service was so vital Chip replied, “I think in any
community you’ve got those amazing rock stars that are helping homeless, helping school children, or whatever the charity is, but they can only do so much. There is a real need everywhere and they need volunteers. Some people get burnt out after a while some people have to do different things so there’s just a constant need for people to help out and do their part as much as they possibly can.”
Throughout Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas there are countless charities and organizations constantly searching for volunteers. Our community really wouldn’t be the same without some of these groups. The sad truth is that a very small amount of our population is doing the majority of the work. Every day our community is being transformed for the better based on the work of the few.
Why REALTORS® Should Be Active In Community Service
Often times REALTORS® are told they should be involved but it is not always clear why. When we posed this question to Mr. Taylor, he had this to say, “ It is important for realtors to be involved. I think that realtors are uniquely positioned as professionals to be involved in their community in many ways. We are the first people that are meeting people who are moving into this area. We are introducing them to our home, to our downtown, to everything around here and I do think that we need to be good stewards of the community so that when we are telling people why they should live here, we should be an active part of why they should live here.”
He continued ot share how he was able to cultivate continual relationships with his clients based off of his community involvement. “It’s just become a big thing for me. I’ve incorporated it into my business so my clients all know that when September/October arrives when I’m calling them or if I’m emailing them, they are already buying cereal to get ready for it. I’ve got some clients that have kids that are saving their allowances and going shopping for cereals so it’s really become a big thing. Last year we collected 3,375 boxes of cereal just for King George and we were able to fill every single pantry in King George and even some in Colonial Beach.”
How To Get Started Today
- Community Service Committee
- FAAR’s Cereal Drive
- Join a Love Scrub
- Pick up trash in your community
- Volunteer at a local organization
- Starting a digital food drive