Get Involved
Events and opportunities you can get involved inIt’s GAME ON at the annual FAAR REALTOR® Expo
FAAR REALTOR® Expo
The 2024 FAAR REALTOR® Expo will bring together more than 400 real estate professionals, affiliates and expert speakers at one exciting event! Don’t miss the unique opportunity to take advantage of hot-topic educational classes, meet local real estate service providers, win raffles, prizes & more!
Top 5 Reasons to Attend
- Connect with real estate professionals and service providers
- Educational offerings
- Get up to date on industry trends
- Find business solutions
- Opportunity to win next year’s membership dues
Join us on September 4th at the Fredericksburg Convention Center!
Click the flyer above to see the full schedule!
Do you provide services to REALTORS®?
Interested in participating as a vendor at the 2024 FAAR Expo?
Real Estate related companies (non-REALTOR® firms) can request more information on reserving a booth for the September 4, 2024 FAAR Expo.
FAAR approves state legislative agenda for 2025
FAAR recently approved a suite of issues that comprise the 2025 Legislative Agenda. These are issues that the Public Policy Committee discusses and motions and then the Board approves that impact the real estate industry. These issues are then submitted up to the VAR Public Policy Committee for potential inclusion in their statewide agenda. Check out our agenda by clicking the button below.
Have an issue that you’re concerned about? Submit it through our online portal here.
Clients having trouble getting taxes paid out of escrow?
FAAR has received reports from agents that some property tax payments are seeing delays in being paid by third parties working with mortgage servicers. This can lead to sellers or buyers having to pay the local property taxes for a second time and then receiving a refund or returned check to address the duplicate payment.
While no one is paying double the tax, it does cause stress and confusion for buyers and sellers who think that payment has already been made. If anyone has clients who have experienced this delay, you may want to consider reporting it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) which might have an interest in investigating the delays from these third-party vendors. Use the button below to file a complaint with the CFPB.
Local home prices continue to accelerate amid supply shortfall
“The residential real estate market in May 2024 continues to experience moderate price growth, although at a slower pace compared to the rapid increases seen during the pandemic years,” comments FAAR President-Elect Lauren Tate. “This can be attributed to higher mortgage rates, which have tempered buyer demand. Despite this, inventory remains tight in many areas, leading to competitive offer bidding.”
Days on market, the time it takes from when a listing enters the market until it receives a ratified contract and is removed from active status on the multiple listing service increased 11% going from 19 days last May to 21 this year.
Inventory was up a scant 3% from last May with 814 homes for sale at the end of the month compared to 788 last year. New listings plunged nearly 12% with 609 homes coming on the market this May compared to 688 last year. New pendings sales also dipped in May posting an 8% decrease with 614 new ratified contracts on properties versus 668 last year.
Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® Supports First Annual Run For RPAC Virtual 5k
FREDERICKSBURG, VA – June 3, 2024 – The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) is thrilled to announce our enthusiastic support for the Virginia Association of REALTORS®’ first annual Run For RPAC Virtual 5k. This exciting event will take place from June 4th through July 2nd, offering a fantastic opportunity for local REALTORS® to get active, connect with colleagues, and support the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC).
Why Participate?
By participating in this virtual 5k, FAAR members will receive a race bib and a commemorative medal, symbolizing their commitment to the cause and their achievement. The registration fee for this event is $50, and it directly supports RPAC’s mission to advocate for policies that benefit our industry and community.
We encourage all FAAR members to join this event and promote it within your networks. Share your experience on social media by tagging Virginia REALTORS® and using the hashtag #RunForRPAC. This will help create a lively, supportive online community and provide a chance to be featured on “Medal Monday.”
Consider organizing a small group meet-up with fellow REALTORS® to complete the 3.1 miles together, fostering camaraderie and support for RPAC.
Spread the Word
To help you spread the word, we have provided a promotional image of the medal, a banner, and a QR code. You can use these materials to share the event with your clients, colleagues, and friends. The registration link for run participants is https://ai360.aristotle.com/AI360FormBuilder/Form.aspx?dbid=2e166870-894a-423a-a6f7-6560a8904c6c&page_id=12884.
All race bibs and medals will be fulfilled by the Virginia REALTORS®, ensuring participants receive their items within two weeks of registration.
Questions?
Please feel free to reach out to Virginia REALTORS® with any inquiries or for more information about the benefits of RPAC.
We are excited to see our local REALTORS® come together to support RPAC through this fun and meaningful event. Let’s make this inaugural Run For RPAC Virtual 5k a huge success for our community!
IMAGE OF MEDAL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE
QR CODE FOR PROMOTION
Apply for the 2025 FAAR Board of Directors
You can make a difference! This year has been a significant one, marked by challenges to our industry and a new strategic plan for our association. Leaders have brought fresh perspectives and energy to FAAR. As we continue to build on this momentum, we welcome new members to our Board of Directors—individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to take on meaningful roles. This is your opportunity to leverage your skills and experience in an organization that values growth, innovation, and collaboration. Join us on our mission to make a lasting impact in the real estate sector and help members achieve success in their careers.
Are you interested in serving?
The Nominating Committee is accepting nominations until June 30th.
What is the Board anyway, and what does it do?
The Board is made up of 13 members (12 REALTORS® and 1 Affiliate) who set policy for the entire association. The group meets every other month (third Tuesday of even months) to address issues, solve problems, and keep the association financially solvent by carefully managing funds and investments.
How many members are nominated and elected?
The Nominating Committee shall select one but not more than three nominees for each Director position to be filled. Member vote decides who receives the open positions.
How long are the terms?
Director positions are for two years. Officer positions are for one year, except Treasurer, which is for two years. The Affiliate Director position is for one year.
How do I express interest?
- The Candidate Profile Form to be reviewed by the Nominating Committee is here.
- Board Job Descriptions are here.
Return the completed Profile Form to:
Page Browning, CEO of FAAR
What’s next after I apply?
Eligible applicants will be notified of an interview time to occur in person at the FAAR office on Tuesday, July 9.
Questions?
Please contact Page at pbrowning@faarmembers.com or reach out to any of our current leadership team at www.faarmembers.com/leadership.
FAAR Sends Letter to Spotsylvania County on changes to subdivision ordinance
FAAR recently sent a letter to the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors expressing concerns about potential changes to the Annual Exempt Subdivision ordinance. President Randy Walther expressed concerns about reducing the number of allowable lots for annual exempt divisions from five lots to just one, which could seriously infringe upon property owners’ rights to utilize their land as they see fit. Many people bought land under the current rules with the intention of subdividing in the future to fund retirement, college funds, or medical bills and will now not be able to realize the full value of their asset. Click the button below to read the letter that FAAR sent.
This issue is slated to come before the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. FAAR will publish the official notice when it’s available.
Local Housing Market Posts Large Increases in Units Sold
The spring housing market is off to a swift start with April numbers posting considerable increases in units sold and total sold dollar volume coupled with modest price appreciation compared to April of 2023. Median home prices were up 3% from last year, settling at $450,000 this April compared to $435,000 last year. Units sold increased by more than 26%, with 522 units sold this April compared to 414 last year. This increase is just the second time the market has experienced year-over-year growth since May of 2022 and eclipses the 6% increase posted in January of 2024. The growth in homes sales fueled a nearly 30% increase in total sales volume with the market boasting over $256.7 million in transactions compared to $197.7 million last April. The volume increase was seen in every jurisdiction in the FAAR footprint.
“April 2024 proved to be positive for sellers as the increase in sales pricing continues trending upward by percentage,” comments FAAR Director Gary Gardiner. “Buyers are competing to secure a home in this low inventory market. As a result, sellers have been able to maximize their equity. Mortgage interest rates remain higher. Home affordability continues to be a challenge for most buyers who struggle to find a home and the market is highly competitive financially.”
Days on market, the time it takes from when a listing enters the market until it receives a ratified contract and is removed from active status on the multiple listing service decreased 3% going from 27 days last April to 26 this year.
Inventory was up by 10% from last April with 791 homes for sale at the end of the month compared to 717 last year. New listings remained static with just 3 more than last April for a total of 649 new homes coming on the market. New pendings sales were also steady from last year with a slight 1% dip from 615 to 608. “Today’s market proves that there remains a very low inventory of homes available for sale,” continues Gardiner. “Buyers and would-be sellers considering a move are hoping for lower interest rates as we continue through the second and third quarter of the year.”
Virginia General Assembly Wrap-Up
The Virginia REALTORS® Government Relations Team worked hard this year advocating for you, your clients, AND your business. Virginia REALTORS® has created a visual resource summarizing the many efforts this team made on behalf of your business during the Virginia General Assembly Session and details the bills, more about them, and what passed (not to mention one bill that passed with help from YOU).
Download this Advocacy Scorecard so you can get the breakdown on just how Virginia REALTORS® works for you and your clients. This document includes bills that were passed, defeated, and amended, plus details about each bill from the 2024 Legislative Agenda. Virginia REALTORS® fights for REALTORS® during the Virginia General Assembly AND all year long.
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
Nathaniel 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