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#Member Monday—Meet REALTOR® Valerie Dellandre
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
Valerie Dellandre
Hometown
The Historical little Town of Farmville, VA
Current Location
Lake of the Woods
Title
REALTOR® with Century 21 New Millennium
Number of Years in the Industry
17+
Why do you love working in real estate?
I love being a blessing to others and there is no better blessing than helping one purchase their first home!
Favorite Work Story
I learned years ago you never know where business will show up! Received a call from a potential investor interested in buying a Short Sale listing of mine to rent in western Spotsylvania. Perhaps not a good opportunity for an investor, but through hard work and dedication we have conducted six transactions together!
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of staying the course regardless the type of market we experience. I learned years ago markets change and nothing lasts forever! Learn all you can to accommodate clients in any type of market.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I’ve been a volunteer nurse for my Church since 1999. I love being a first responder for the Lord and being there for those needing my help rather it is spiritual or a sickness. I truly believe lives were saved because I was in the right place at the right time.
Fun Fact
My husband and I experienced “Love at first sight” on Thanksgiving 1978! We married nine months after meeting and currently celebrating over 41 years of blissfulness. Robert continues to treat me like his Queen.
Interesting Factoids from NAR’s 2020 Member Profile
compiled from 2019 and 2020 information…
Business Characteristics of REALTORS®
65% hold sales agent licenses, 22% broker licenses, 15% broker associates
73% specialize in residential sales
The typical member has 9 years’ experience, 17% with less than a year experience
Shared experience of 25 years or more, 17%
Personal assistants- Only 16%, mostly broker owners and managers
30% of REALTOR® firms have a relocation department
80% of members were certain they would stay in the business for 2 more years
Business activity of REALTORS®
94% of appraisers appraised residential properties, 26% appraised land/farms
Typical appraiser appraised 204 properties
63% practiced single agency, 35% buyer and seller agency with disclosed dual agency, 11% transactional
Typical agent had 12 transactions; 33% reported one commercial deal
80% of property managers handled single family residential homes, 59% multi-family, 23% office property
Typical REALTOR® worked 36 hours
Typical agent earned 15% of their business from past clients
66% of agents reported no business from open houses
Income & Expenses of REALTORS®
37% were compensated under a fixed commission split (under 100%),
22% with graduated based on productivity
16% with a capped split (rises to 100 percent after a predetermined threshold)
Total medium expenses were $6,290
Medium gross income from real estate activities of REALTORS® was $49,7000
Sales agent medium income- $35,000,
Broker owners, managers, appraisers slightly higher
Only 2% received a sign-on bonus
Typical website maintenance- $70
Agents spent $60 on social media advertising; broker owners, managers $100
Office and Firm Affiliation of REALTORS®
52% reported they worked with an independent company
42% of REALTORS® were affiliated with a firm with a single office
25% worked at a firm with 2-4 offices
Medium tenure at current firm was 4 years
50% of brokers had some ownership interest; 33% sole ownership
Errors and omissions insurance was leading agent benefit
69% worked independently, 30% as part of a team
Technology and REALTORS®
Daily 9 out of 10 use a smartphone and wireless email, the internet, laptop or desk top
Daily 95% use email; 59% use social media, 66% use multiple listing software
77% have their own website, 44% of which are provided by the firm
76% are on Facebook, 60% use LinkedIn, 42% Instagram
26% do not use social media
A typical REALTOR® receives no inquiries from their website; brokers owners and manager receive the highest number due to greater spending
Social media brought in 2% for a typical agent continues to decline
Demographics Characteristics of REALTORS®
64% were female; 58% are 60 years and older;
Medium age was 55
93% had some post-secondary education, 33% completed a bachelor’s degree
Previous careers of agents- management, business or finance, sales
Only 5% was real estate the first career
73% reported that real estate was their only occupation
69% were married, 16% divorced, 10% were single or never married
80% were white, 10% Hispanics, blacks, 6 % Spanish was most common second language
Medium gross REALTOR® household income was $121.5000
83% of REALTORS® owned their own primary residence; 38% owned other
properties; 21% said they owned at least one commercial property
96% of REALTORS® are registered to vote
72% volunteer in their communities
13% were veteran; 1% active-duty service members
The Profile is just $14.95 for members for download (a $149 value)
2020 Member Profile – REALTOR® Store
FAAR receives $4,500 for Orange County Park Project
FAAR will use a $4,500 Placemaking grant from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) to help transform an unused space in the Town of Orange into a vibrant, public destination for community use and enjoyment.
The grant was designed by NAR to ensure local Realtor® Associations are partnering with neighboring organizations to plan, organize, implement and maintain Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper placemaking in their communities.
FAAR will contribute these funds to help support the creation a pocket park along the Church Street corridor in the Town of Orange. This corridor was home to a thriving Black commercial district through the 1970s which was significantly impacted by a bypass transportation project. The park will feature a series of interpretive markets recounting the history and people of the business district, with seating, landscaping, and statuary. The park will not only serve as a gathering spot for reflection and inspiration, but also as a catalyst for preservation-based economic development. FAAR is partnering with the Orange Downtown Alliance, a certified-Main Street program.
Artist rendering of the proposed project
Member Monday – Meet REALTOR and Affiliate Laura Pate Rodier
Name
Laura Pate Rodier
Hometown
Fayetteville, NC
Current Location
Stafford, VA
Title
Marketing Director at The Title Professionals and Realtor® with Holt for Homes Realty
Number of Years in the Industry
5
Why do you love working in real estate?
Working in real estate affords me the opportunity to meet so many people! After five years in the business in the Fredericksburg area, I have extensive personal and professional networks of people. I run into someone I know every time I go anywhere. My daughter often tells me before we leave the house, “Mom, put on your lipstick because you know you will see someone you know because you know everybody.” She’s not wrong!
Favorite Work Story
Well, I am fairly certain that the over 200-year-old building that I work in is haunted. Ask me about it when you see me!
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am proud that I work for two organizations that prioritize community service. The Title Professionals supports a different local charity every quarter and donates time in addition to money. Holt for Homes faithfully plays Santa every year through FAAR’s Secret Santa initiative and is currently collecting food for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. I suppose it is only logical that I take over chairing the FAAR Community Service Committee for this year!
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I lost my mother to breast cancer 23 years ago, so I am a multi-year supporter/participant of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, a 2 day 39 mile walk to raise money and awareness. I also volunteer at my church in various ways, including meal deliveries, youth events, and anything involving the choir, of which I am a member.
Fun Fact
I love to paint! Watercolor portraits are my specialty, but I have painted almost everything. My friends are encouraging me to write and illustrate a book about the adventures of my dog, Bean the Corgi, and I am considering it!
A humble thank you to the women who have impacted their world and influenced mine
Pat Breme, RCE, CIPS
Chief Executive Officer
To honor Women’s History Month, I offer these reflections. Over a lifetime you meet people who influence your values and viewpoints and often shape your choices.
I graduated from college in 1968 when women’s rights were the core of a very vocal, in-your-face movement. The rebel rousers were Betty Freidan, Gloria Steinem and Shirley Chisholm.
Freidan rocked the country with her book The Feminine Mystique, where she described the plight of college educated women who felt trapped and unfulfilled because career opportunities were largely limited to nursing, teaching or secretarial work.
The message of Friedan, who organized NOW (National Organization for Women), was expanded by others, Gloria Steinem and Germaine Greer who believed that political inequality has personal implications regarding sexuality, birth control, abortion, roles in marriage, housework and childcare.
Then there was Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to be elected to Congress. She was a fierce spokesperson for woman’s rights. Her autobiography Unbossed and Unbought perfectly captured her feisty attitude.
Some of the milestones of the movement were outlawing gender discrimination in education and college sports, obtaining financial credit, and banning discrimination against pregnant women in the workforce. There were many who marched for equality in wages and equal opportunities for placement and promotions in business.
Over the past 30 years, there have been significant accomplishments. Rape crisis centers and health centers and women’s shelters providing specialized services came into existence.
We stand on the shoulders of women’s liberation advocates, as well as modern day trailblazers like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and others.
The movements of today are MeToo, addressing sexual assault and harassment in the workplace, and the Time’s Up, which focuses on creating economic opportunities, safety and income equality for women in the workplace. Young women are finding a voice of their own in groups they identify with- color, sexual preference, gender preference, career choices, or other options.
However, in this country we can’t claim success unless we are also helping suppressed women around the world. In some countries, there has been no progress. Women are not educated; they are chattel of their husbands.
I stand on the shoulders of those women in association management who have elevated the position of executive secretary to CEO through hard work and showing value.
I stand on the shoulders of many FAAR women Presidents who have influenced me and taught me to be a servant leader, the value of collaboration, the advantage of listening before speaking and viewing situations from another’s point of view.
They shaped my thinking and ultimately shaped my style of management. Of the many who impacted my career, I comment on four who were significant role models for me…
Melanie Thompson, who can with precision, analyze an issue and cut through the nonsense
Suzy Stone, understands that volunteerism is the essence of being a servant leader
Sherry Bailey, always demonstrates the upmost composure in the most difficult situations
Gayle Elliott, she taught to take the time to have conversations with unlikely people
In my personal life, I must add-
My mother, she taught me to stand up for myself
My sister Barbara, whose sheer determination created successful businesses
My fourth-grade teacher, she taught me coordination in fashion
My daughters-in-laws and girlfriends, envelop me in love and keep me humble
Thank you to all FAAR women from 1957 to the present who have succeed in their careers, nurtured families and made a difference in the community. Lastly, but never least, I am grateful for the staff of seven women who I work with every day. They are servant leaders. They are innovative, collaborative and are perfect examples of the power of women in business.
February Sees More of the Same in Local Real Estate Market
February of 2021 saw very similar numbers as January, with increases in sold dollar volume, median price, and units sold. The market saw a 10% year-over-year increase in median price, going from $316,000 in February of 2020 to $349,950 in February of 2021. Units sold increased more than 13%, finishing out the month at 487 compared to 429 units sold last February. Total sold dollar volume increased more than 26%, coming in at approximately $181.4 million this year compared to $143,5 million last February.
FAAR Board Member Randy Walther comments, “The crazy weather of the past month matches the turbulence in the real estate market. February saw more of the same issues that have been in place for the past few months. Record low interest rates and changing housing needs are driving the market at a time when inventory is extremely low. That has caused an increase in prices but that increase is being somewhat offset by the low rates. “If you list it, it will sell” has become the motto in real estate this year. Buyers are laser focused on homes that fit their changing needs whether it’s location, space, internet connectivity or size. These issues should stay in place for the foreseeable future as more and more people seek the security of a home that can adapt to a new normal.”
The increases were unevenly distributed among the region’s localities however, with King George and the City of Fredericksburg seeing slight decreases. The City and King George saw a very slight drop in median price from February 2020, 0.6% and 1.4% respectively, but that is not uncommon in smaller markets like these two localities. King George County also saw a 20% decrease in units sold which could be indicative of continued challenges with finding housing in a very low-supply market. Stafford and Spotsylvania counties posted significant increases in median price, 11% and 15% respectively, pushing their median prices to all-time high levels, a common occurrence in recent months.
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, fell more than 71% with houses averaging a measly 16 days on the market this February compared to 56 days last year.
Not unexpectedly, inventory across the region remains at historic lows. In February of 2020, there were 1,140 homes on the market. In February of 2021, there were just 360 homes for sale, representing a more than 68% year-over-year decline. New listings were down nearly 23% compared to last year. New pendings were down also, clocking in at 9% less than February 2020, which could be attributed to the lack of available supply to meet the current demand.
Stafford County Votes to Downzone 90,000 Rural Acres
On Tuesday, March 2, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted 4-3 to downzone nearly 90,000 acres spread across more than 2,000 parcels in the rural A-1 zoning category from one house per 3 acres to one house per 6 acres. Supporting the measure were Crystal Vanuch, Meg Bohmke, Mark Dudenhefer and Gary Snellings. Opposing it were Cindy Shelton, Tom Coen, and Tinesha Allen. The ordinance takes effect immediately, although any subdivision applications in the pipeline will not be impacted. The Board failed to exempt family subdivision as part of Tuesday’s action, but did instruct the Planning Commission to come back with a measure to address that issue within 100 days.
Here is some direct guidance from the County on how the change impacts landowners: A-1 zoning district now requires a gross density of 6-acres. The minimum lot size of 3-acres for conventional subdivisions and 1.5 acres for cluster subdivisions would stay the same. A land owner will now need at least 12 acres in order to subdivide their property. If the owner was intending on subdividing a single 12-acre parcel, they would have the option to create two lots of varying sizes (such as 3 and 9; 4, and 8; 5 and 7; or 6 and 6). The key would be that the density must be one lot per 6-acres or greater. Subdivision applications currently in process can proceed based on the requirements in place when the application was filed. The subdivision application has 18 months to be approved from the date it was filed.
FAAR will continue to advocate for the family subdivision exemption. That issue will go to public hearing so FAAR will have a presence at any of those meetings to ensure that families retain the right to subdivide their land. For those agents seeking additional information, please contact FAAR Public Policy Director Kim McClellan at 540-373-7711.
March is for Members Madlibs
Here’s a little bit of fun for FAAR members. Get creative and fill in the blanks! Send your completed madlibs to mrathbun@faarmembers.com and we’ll post them here!
Decision time in Stafford County
Tomorrow is decision day in Stafford County. Will the Board of Supervisors adopt a unilateral downzoning changing the minimum lot size from 3-acres to 10-acres? FAAR has been strongly opposed to this action for more than a year because it could devalue rural land, potentially by up to 50% according to the County itself, and will rob generations of wealth creation from rural property owners. A recent article in the Free Lance Star included some comments about the action that are inaccurate and unfair to Realtors and the work that they do. FAAR sets the record straight below:
- Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer claims that builders are flocking to Stafford County and creating an explosion of growth due to more permissive zoning rules than surrounding counties. The truth is that there were LESS occupancy permits issued in 2020 than in 2019. Stafford County issued 946 occupancy permits in 2019 compared to 875 in 2020, representing a 7.5% DECLINE.
- Supervisor Dudenhefer says that downzoning is the only option the state provides to manage growth, but he fails to mention that his County’s own Healthy Growth report looked at downzoning coupled with Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) to help make landowners’ whole after their land was devalued. TDR is permissible under state law but is not part of this action at all, providing no financial remedy for those whose property value could be taken by the local government. In addition, the Planning Commission is opposed to a unilateral downzoning and presented three other options to the Board for consideration. In order for the Board to consider those other options, they must vote no on downzoning.
- He also states that anyone who dare speak out in opposition or voice concerns about this action is only acting out of financially motivated self-interest. The Code of Ethics by which Realtors® are bound holds their duty to their client and all parties to the contract as their primary responsibility. Furthermore, a property owner is certainly expected to have a financial interest in their own land, especially when the value of that land is often inextricably tied to the financial health of that individual.
- Finally, Supervisor Dudenhefer tries to pit north Stafford residents against south Stafford residents by claiming that properties in the A-1 hardly pay any taxes because they are in the land use program. The Board’s own agenda for their March 2 meeting states that of the 2,321 taxable parcels impacted by downzoning, just 854 are in the land use program, meaning that more than 60% of property owners in the A-1 zoning category pay their full taxes. For those who have their property in the Land Use program, it is not a free pass. Those properties have their taxes deferred for their time in the program and when a property exits the program, the owner must pay 5 years of deferred taxes and a percentage charge on top of that. While the property is in land use, the owner pays full taxes on a 1-acre homesite and the value of the structure. In addition, the more rural parts of the County have long subsidized growth in other parts of the County, namely the Rt. 610 corridor where Mr. Dudenhefer represents.
FAAR Board Member Clay Murray said in a letter to the editor published on Sunday that as a Realtor® and a citizen of Stafford County, he wants “smart growth, housing affordability, and the protection of private property rights.” Murray doesn’t think those ideals have to be mutually exclusive. There are other options out there that can address growth challenges without decimating the financial health of rural property owners and their families.
Concerned about this downzoning action and want to get involved? Click here to access sample talking points and a sample email to send to the Stafford Board of Supervisors.
Virginia Realtors Legal Hotline—Stellar service for all members to utilize
Legal advice is a precious commodity that occasionally everyone needs to access. The Virginia REALTORS® offers the Legal Hotline. A member is required to complete an application before a question can be submitted to the VAR attorneys and must communicate the issue to his/her broker. The broker will receive a copy of the question. Sometimes the Broker’s policy may be more restrictive than the general response of the VAR attorney. Visit virginiarealtors.org/legal-hotline to access the User Agreement & the Terms of Use.
Read other articles like this in the latest FAARside newsletter.