Community Service
Our effort to improve local community living.
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Tracey Farmer
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
Tracey Farmer
Hometown
Fredericksburg
Current Location
Fredericksburg
Title
REALTOR® at Century 21 Redwood
Number of Years in the Industry
16
Why do you love working in real estate?
Real estate has been quite rewarding to me personally and professionally. I love the opportunity to assist folks with one of their biggest investments but more importantly I relish the opportunity of making these relationships with folks that last and build upon for a lifetime. In addition, I have grown to love the relationships made with my colleagues industry wide.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I treasure that this one of few career’s that you somewhat control your destiny. Most of the time, the harder you work/more time put into work – the more rewarding this business can be. Again, the most rewarding to me is the relationships made along the way. Also, as an agent, you are warranted the opportunity to be aware and participate in so many ways to give back to our community (i.e. timewise as well as financially).
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
My company offers many ways to contribute to our community via “Redwood Gives Back”. I also participate with the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Dept with the “Operation Blue Christmas” to assist with many children’s Christmas as well as the Senior Lunches for the Spotsylvania County and the Thurman Brisben Center.
Fun Fact
I love helping people!
Want to serve on the Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation?
Do you have a passion for real estate AND for giving back to the Community? Then apply to be a Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation Governor! We will have vacancies at the end of this year and are looking to seat several new members in January of 2020. Governor terms run for three years and the only requirement for membership is a desire to help those in need in our community find stable housing.
The Foundation’s mission is to steward and inspire philanthropy in connection with the real estate industry to fund local charities assisting those in need to retain and secure shelter. In practice that means that we raise money from within our membership and from the general public that we then grant out to local housing non-profits. We have worked with numerous charities in the region including Habitat for Humanity, Hope House, the 516 Project, Rebuilding Together, Mental Health America, and many more.
We need your enthusiasm and energy so apply today! All FAAR members are welcome, both Realtors and affiliates.
Collect Cereal for Local Food Banks this October
Go coo-coo for cereal collection!
2018 was another great year for the annual REALTOR® cereal drive. Help us reach the 2019 goal of 16,000 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 Barbara Castillo with your office and contact information by September 25th.
Final cereal counts will be announced at 10/24 mixer.
Collected cereal can be dropped off at the October 24th 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. Please email Barbara bcastillo@faarmembers.com with your final box tally sometime before the 10/24 Halloween Mixer where we will announce the winners. Scroll down to see who participated in last year’s cereal drive!
2019 Realtor Cereal Drive
Sign up here to be included in communications regarding the annual cereal drive that lasts throughout the month of October!
Marketing Flyer
Spread the word with this letter-sized flyer. It’s…..GRRRRReat!
Square Graphic
This square image is oh so share-able! Use it on social or in your emails!
Key items to remember:
October 1-24- Collect cereal! Let Barbara Castillo (bcastillo@faarmembers.com) know if you need postcards.
October 21- If you have more that 250 boxes, just let Barbara know and she will arrange pick up.
October 23- if you had your cereal picked up — PLEASE CONTACT BARBARA WITH BOX COUNT
October 24- Drop off cereal (less than 250 boxes) to the FAAR Halloween Mixer at Wilderness Run Winery. Cereal can be dropped between 4-7 PM
October 24th, 7:15 PM Winners and totals announced!
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 2018?
Affiliate collecting the most Boxes
Mac Church with Atlantic Coast – 486 boxes
Most Cereal Per Agent
1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 206 boxes per agent
Most Improved
Long and Foster – from 210 boxes in 2017 to 2,308 boxes in 2018
Runner-up Most Cereal
Century 21 New Millennium – 2,772 boxes
Grand Prize
1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 4,162 boxes
All Participants
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Century 21 New Millennium
Long and Foster Fredericksburg
Coldwell Banker Elite Stafford
United Real Estate Premier
Nest Realty Fredericksburg
Mac Church with Atlantic Coast Mortgage
Century 21 Redwood Locust Grove
Keller Williams Fredericksburg
Spring Arbor Senior Living
Century 21 Redwood Fredericksburg
Keller Williams Capital
Holt for Homes
CTI Real Estate
Coldwell Banker Elite Massaponax
Title Professionals
Virginia Credit Union Realty
The Gillies Team
Mike Lee with Summit Mortgage
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Lisa Wright
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
Lisa Wright
Hometown
Reisterstown, MD
Current Location
Spotsylvania, VA
Title
REALTOR® at C21 Redwood Fredericksburg – “I have your back in buying and selling”!!
Number of Years in the Industry
24
Why do you love working in real estate?
I think our home is our sanctuary and one of the most important financial decisions in our lives. I love assisting people with that process whether downsizing, upsizing, second home, first home etc. It is huge to them and therefore huge to me! My mom was in real estate many years in MD and VA and also a great mortgage lady! She perfected business by doing it from the heart instead of the pocket book and treated every client like she would have treated her own daughter. I will work my business the same! Best interest in the forefront always!
Favorite Work Story
In the beginning of my working years a high school friend reached out for help for his daughter who had never owned a home. She was struggling financially. She was a tomboy at heart and wanted some hunting land and a small starter home. We finally put together the perfect lending scenario and found the perfect place. It was “lost” in a bidding war. But a few months later that all fell through and we nose dived right back into a great contract with a great outcome! She became a first time homeowner and is still in that home but with many changes and upgrades. The smile on her face was magical!
What are you most proud of in your career?
I was licensed in 1995. I was working a full time career in law enforcement after a short career as a Spanish teacher in Stafford. I ended up retiring as a Captain and am very proud of those 30 years of accomplishments. I worked real estate at best part time but stayed in love with the profession. Now I am most proud to focus (though not solely) on our first responders who sacrifice so much for us on a daily basis (police, fire, rescue, dispatcher, military) on their home buying and selling needs. Our bonding quote is “I have your back” while in the line of duty. I’m extending that mentality to my real estate sales career. I will have their back in their buying and selling need as well as any client I am fortunate to serve!
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I volunteer at local fraternals such at Eagles and Elks. I also volunteer as a reader/usher and chalice bearer at Christ Episcopal Church. Additionally I am in the process of recruit and training with Hospice. Having recently lost my mom who was my greatest influence and joy in life and knowing what this fine organization does for the sick as well as extended family I feel it is my time to give back.
Fun Fact
I am a photographer (Wright Eye Photography) and I love anything beach – sand, surf, sun, sailing, water skiing, boating and more!
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR® Crystal Scott
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
Crystal Scott
Hometown
Fredericksburg
Current Location
Spotsylvania County
Title
REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty
Number of Years in the Industry
1
Why do you love working in real estate?
I love helping people achieve their dreams and reach their goals. I’ve worked with a lot of first time home buyers who thought home Ownership wasn’t possible or too stressful. I guide them through the process and we get through it together. At the end, handing my clients the keys to their new home is priceless. It gets me every single time. It’s why I love what I do.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m most proud that I never sacrifice my integrity or respect in this industry. I’m always upfront and honest with my clients. I give all my clients 100% regardless if it’s a sale or rental. People are people and having a home to call their own is what it is all about.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I give to various charities such as St Judes, back to school drives, hold a free yearly Easter egg hunt for the community, and volunteer at Thurman Brisbane Homeless Shelter.
Fun Fact
I’ve been a Registered Nurse in the Surgical/Trauma ICU at Mary Washington Hospital for over 10 years.
I ride a Motorcycle.
FAAR Signals Strong Support for Broadband Deployment
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) recently authored a letter of support for a Stafford County grant intended to expand broadband in unserved parts of the County.
2019 FAAR President Drew Fristoe stated, “As 2019 President of the 1,500 member Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) and an active agent throughout our region, I can personally attest to the critical importance that broadband holds in our society today. When prospective buyers enter a home, they expect high speed internet just like they expect lights and water. Broadband is an essential utility in the eyes of the public and the lack of access to high speed internet can significantly impact the desirability of a property.”
The letter was in support of a Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grant that Stafford County is submitting through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. This specific grant provides funds to subsidize construction costs and provide last-mile services to unserved areas of the state.
#MemberMonday Meet REALTOR Joan Diaz-Mendez
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
Joan Diaz-Mendez
Hometown
New York City
Current Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Title
REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Elite
Number of Years in the Industry
3
Why do you love working in real estate?
I absolutely love working with clients to help them reach their goals! I feel the experience is super satisfying and that moment of giving the high five, “Yes, we did it!” is priceless.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I’m proud to have been able to transition from Florida Real Estate to Virginia Real Estate successfully.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I am on the board of the Fredericksburg Area Museum and I help them with Marketing. I also help the King George Little League with fundraising.
Fun Fact
I’m a yoga instructor.
#MemberMonday Meet Broker Dan Lesher
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
Dan Lesher
Hometown
Pendleton, Indiana
Current Location
Fredericksburg
Title
Broker at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Select Realty
Number of Years in the Industry
22
Why do you love working in real estate?
As an agent I always enjoyed helping people make wise real estate decisions and the satisfaction of putting a smile on their face regardless if they were a buying or selling. As a broker my passion is always in helping an agent grow their business so they are able to achieve their individual goals.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Starting my own company at the start of the housing crash and building it into one of the top 50 companies in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network due to a core of great agents who believe in my vision and work hard day in and day out to be better than the day before.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
Anything related to children but, The Sunshine Kids is the cause my family and I are most passionate about. It’s an amazing organization that helps children with cancer. Anyone looking for a great organization to get involved with should check it out.
Fun Fact
I owned a 1600 seat theatre in my hometown from 98-02 that held regular live concerts such as George Carlin, Merle Haggard and others.
#Member Monday Meet Rebecca Canter
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
Rebecca Canter
Hometown
Fredericksburg, VA
Current Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Title
Loan Officer at New Dominion Financial
Number of Years in the Industry
20
Why do you love working in real estate?
I love being able to see the look on a homebuyer’s face when I tell them that their home loan application has been approved! Even if I can’t approve them initially, I work closely with my clients to help improve their situations so that they are able to obtain financing. That is even more rewarding!
What are you most proud of in your career?
My drive and determination to continue learning everyday!
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I like spending time senior citizens. Just lending an ear or a hug if they need it!
Fun Fact
I used to live on the Outer Banks, NC and I remodeled the interior design of many oceanfront mansions!
FAAR Partners with Local Housing Non-Profits to Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities
By Kim McClellan, RCE, Public Policy Director
On any given day, 200 adults and children are homeless in our community. Homelessness is often a root cause of many other issues such as poor health, trouble in school, and lack of employment.
No one can feel stable without a place to call home.
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) has partnered with local housing non-profits to help expand affordable housing opportunities through the launch of the Stable Homes Partnership.
FAAR began working last year with housing non-profits through the Continuum of Care (CoC), a federally-mandated local planning body that coordinates housing and services for homeless families and individuals.
Under the CoC umbrella, FAAR partnered with Micah Ecumenical Ministries, Loisann’s Hope House, Empowerhouse, and the Thurman Brisben Center to create a marketing and recruitment plan to expand the pool of property owners’ in the region willing to rent to families and individuals facing housing challenges.
The partner organizations assist tenants with rent and security deposits, while also providing case management and regular property inspections to smooth the path for long-term stability and success. Property owners engaged in the program have access to a ready pool of quality tenants paying fair market rent, reducing costly downtime advertising and showing their properties.
FAAR and the CoC agencies hosted two public information sessions on this program at the end of March. These informational meetings featured an overview of the program and panel discussions with both property owners and case managers involved in the program.
The program administrators aim to expand their pool of landlords by following up with the attendees of those meetings.
Join the FAAR Community Service Committee public Facebook group!