Get Involved
Events and opportunities you can get involved in#Member Monday | Meet Broker Lauren Smith
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
Lauren Smith
Hometown
Ridgefield, CT
Current Location
Spotsylvania, VA
Title
REALTOR®, Long & Foster
Number of Years in the Industry
30
Why do you love working in real estate?
My passion is helping Realtors achieve the success they desire in their real estate career. It goes way beyond just telling an agent how to succeed rather getting in the trenches with the agent, working side by side and showing them how, with action steps, hands on one on one training and learning at their pace. Watching an agent’s confidence grow within themselves is one of the most rewarding experiences and is why I choose to be in my role.
Favorite Work Story
Turning the “I can’t into I can and succeeded”
What are you most proud of in your career?
Making a significant impact with those who desire to have a sustainable career in real estate
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
My biggest investment of time is dedicated mostly to developing agents before, during and after work hours. I look for opportunities where I can give back to my community through my church, Salem Baptist Church, Back To School drives, Cereal Drive for the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, FXBG Love Scrub, Christmas for the Adults and Children with the Thurman Brisben Center, Feed The Gap – Spotsylvania County, VA.
Fun Fact
Love spending time with my family and best friend. I do treasure alone time either walking the battlefield or organizing my home. My favorite place is the beach!
Sample Ballot for the 2021 Leadership Slate of Candidates
Voting is now open for the 2021 FAAR Board of Directors
All FAAR members are invited to vote at https://vote.electionrunner.com/election/tS2mD
To vote you will use your NRDS Number as your Voter ID and your email as your Voter Key
View the recording of the Meet the Candidates Event here
Review the Sample Ballot-
2020 Election Slate for the 2021 FAAR Board of Director announced
At its July 21 meeting, the Board of Directors blessed the 2020 slate of candidates as recommended by the Nominating Committee chaired by Linda Fosdick, Dockside Realty. The official ballot will be sent electronically to members on August 14. The final day to vote is September 16. Balloting closes at noon. The results of the election will be announced at a zoom meeting at 2 pm on September 16.
Become acquainted with the candidates. The Sample Ballot is linked. New for this year, a Meet the Candidate zoom event scheduled for mid- August. Candidates have the opportunity to film a campaign video and create their own marketing flyer assisted by the FAAR staff. Their biographical information will appear in the August issue of FAARSide.
Be a responsible member, learn what each candidate has to offer and then VOTE August 14- September 16 at noon.
New this year—
- Meet the Candidates event mid- August. Watch the recording here!
- Individual video produced at FAAR for each candidate for viewing by the entire membership
- Annual review- Read the candidates bios in the August edition of the FAARSide
Sample Ballot
Slate of Candidates- 2021 Leadership
Electronic Balloting begins August 14, ends September 16 at noon
FAAR offers electronic voting. The ballot will be sent in an email to each REALTOR® member on August 14. Members will have a little over 4 weeks to vote. The balloting closes September 16 at noon. Since there is no Expo this year, the results of the balloting will be announced during a zoom general membership meeting on September 16 at 2 pm. The results will be communicated to the entire membership soon after this announcement.
President Carrie Danko, 1st Choice Better Homes & Land
President-Elect Deb Ellis, Coldwell Banker Elite
Vice President Carol Sondrini, Coldwell Banker Elite
Secretary Randy Walther, Nest Realty
Treasurer Kelly Walker, Coldwell Banker Elite (Two-year term)
Immediate Past President Drew Fristoe, Coldwell Banker Elite
Directors- Four candidates for three positions. Select up to three..
__ Pia Contreras- Sanchez, Prime Realty
__ Dawn Josemans, Coldwell Banker Elite
__ Kardin Lillis, Weichert, Realtors
__ Lauren Tate, Century 21 Redwood
Two candidates for 1 affiliate position. Select one.
__ Scott Hine, Assurance Financial Group
__ Donna Schmidt, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Returning Directors-
Clay Murray, Pathway Realty
Sandy Pearce, Pathway Realty
Lynn Lenahan, 1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Work with Dotloop? Privacy policy changes tonight
Article published July 2020
Dotloop’s Privacy Policy Change Regarding Usage of Account Owner and Client Information
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
Summer Selling Season is in Full Swing
The summer selling season is in full swing in the Fredericksburg area with June real estate statistics blowing 2019 out of the water. Total sold dollar volume increased by 42% fueled by a nearly 8% rise in median sold price and a nearly 31% increase in units sold. Total sold dollar volume settled at approximately $336.6 million compared to $236.8 in June of 2019. Median sold price held steady from May coming in at $339,000, posting a nearly 8% gain. Units sold far outstripped last year with a whopping 934 properties changing hands, compared to 714 in June of 2019, representing a nearly 31% year-over-year increase.
“Many Realtors® were initially expecting the Real Estate market to come to a screeching halt back in March or at least slow down considerably as the pandemic progressed. But with historically low interest rates and a large part of our population in tech-friendly positions, people’s personal lives have changed socially but many are unchanged financially with regards to their ability to meet pre-approval qualifications with lending institutions,” comments FAAR Board Member Lynn Lenahan. “Now that we are into summer, it seems summer is our spring and it’s very busy. We are hurting for inventory more so this year than even last. People want to, and in many cases, need to move but have little to choose from. This has created bidding wars, multiple offers, escalating prices, lots of activity, one happy purchaser, tons of disappointed potential buyers, frustrated agents and a tough time for appraisers in finding comps to support the upward trend.”
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 almost 14% with houses averaging just 31 days on the market in June 2020 compared to 36 days in June 2019.
Overall active listings were down over 54% this June compared to last year and new listings coming on to the market were down nearly 17%. In June of 2019, many agents identified a lack of inventory as the biggest challenge in the market. At that time, the local market had about a 3.6-month supply, a healthy and balanced market is generally considered to be 6 months of supply. The market is seeing a measly 1.3-month supply of homes, with just 811 on the market at the end of June compared to 1,775 at the end of June 2019. New pendings were up over 20% indicating that this trend of a very active market is set to continue throughout the summer.
FAAR Recognizes 2019 Award Winners
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) recognized 2019 Award Winners who have set themselves apart in the industry through their commitment to professionalism, education, and customer service.
Awards were handed out for Rookie Salesperson of the Year, Manager of the Year, REALTORS® Choice, REALTOR® of the Year, and Educator of the Year. In addition, 26 members were recognized for achieving the Professional Honor Role for 2019. The Professional Honor Role spotlights members who have made contributions to the real estate industry, the Association, and the community.
New this year—Watch the Virtual awards ceremony here
The following individuals received awards for 2019:
REALTOR® of the Year
Matthew Rathbun, Coldwell Banker Elite
Manager of the Year
Jeff Edmisten, Coldwell Banker Elite
Educator of the Year
Deb Ellis, Coldwell Banker Elite
Rookie Salesperson of the Year
Corrine Macon, 1st Choice Better Homes and Land, LC
REALTORS® Choice
Heather O’Neill, Coldwell Banker Elite
Professional Honor Role
Sabrina Anderson
Exit Realty Group
Marla Aste
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Tricia Barnes
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
LeAnna Black
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Suzanne Brady
United Real Estate Premier
Jennifer Caison
Coldwell Banker Elite- Massaponax
Jennifer Church
Holt for Homes
Valerie Dellandre
Century 21 New Millennium
Linda Dort
Century 21 New Millennium
Drew Fristoe
Coldwell Banker Elite- Massaponax
Janet Holt
Holt for Homes
Linda Laub-Canty
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Cindy LeBrun
Exit Realty Group
Lynn Lenahan
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Brooke Miller
Long & Foster- Fredericksburg
Laura Monaghan
eXp Realty
Bonnie Ramey
Nest Realty Group
Mary Beth Rich,
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Anthony “Tony” Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Sharon Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Carol Sondrini
Coldwell Banker Elite-King George
Chip Taylor
Long & Foster- Fredericksburg
Penny Traber
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Ginny Vickers
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Randy Walther
Nest Realty Group
Sha Williams- Hinnant
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Stats, Signs, Stafford…oh, my!
*No kid Zoom-bombs on any of these videos, but it always feels like a distinct possibility, right!?
FAAR hosted a series of recent virtual meetings, get caught up on all that you missed right here!
Real Estate Roundtable: Spotlight on Stafford County
In this recording, you will get a great update on what’s happening in Stafford County, including the vision for “Downtown Stafford”. This event featured Stafford County Economic Development John Holden. His presentation included this slide deck and this promotional video for the County.
FAAR Sign Summit
Have you ever wondered what happened to that directional you put out before an open house? Well, it might have been placed illegally in the right-of-way and removed by the local jurisdiction. Check out this recording of the FAAR Sign Summit to learn the rules in each jurisdiction so you can keep your signs and stay compliant.
What happens next? Real estate in the wake of a pandemic featuring Dr. List Sturtevant, Chief Economist for the Virginia Realtors®
It’s been a wild ride in the local real estate market! Check out where we’ve been and why Dr. Sturtevant thinks we’re poised for a busy and possibly bumpy fall market.
Membership Survey for Member Feedback
We need your feedback!
Share your thoughts!
Every 3 years, FAAR undergoes Strategic Planning for the next 3 years with the help of member feedback. Your response is critical especially this year!
PLUS! You could win $100!
Complete the short survey by Friday, July 17th to be entered into the prize drawing!
Congress Grants PPP Extension
In a surprise move Wednesday the U.S. Congress cleared legislation extending the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), popular with REALTORS®, through August 8.
The measure now goes to President Trump, who is expected to sign it.
Created by the CARES Act in March, PPP offers forgivable loans for small businesses to pay expenses and keep workers on the payroll. Loans are also available to independent contractors. Although the program quickly ran out of money, it was injected with new funding a month later. The application period for the program ended on Tuesday with $130 billion still unallocated.
“This extension is great news. Congress heard our concerns that small businesses still need help, and this program should remain available as long as there are funds,” says Shannon McGahn, senior vice president of government affairs at NAR. “We have been working with lawmakers to make both the application and forgiveness process easier, and we are helping our members through both with guides and instructional videos.”
Just last week, a new shorter EZ application loan forgiveness form was released by the Small Business Administration, and full forgiveness was granted to independent contractors and sole proprietors who meet certain guidelines.
NAR has also called on Congress to automatically forgive all loans under $150,000.
“Congress is expected to pass a new Coronavirus relief bill by the end of July. McGhan says. “Negotiations really heated up this week on what form it will take as the pandemic continues to evolve. Small business aid will be restructured and live on in some form, and NAR is working with Congress to make sure the self-employed and independent contractors are included,” she continues. “It’s critical the real estate industry stays strong and continues to lead our national recovery.”
To-date the PPP has paid out more than a half-trillion dollars to around five million businesses.
Resources:
Family Fun Coloring
Let’s show them Who We R!
- Color our “That’s Who We R” coloring page
- Email a photo to mrathbun@faarmembers.com
- Be entered to win one of four Downtown Fredericksburg gift cards!
- Share your artwork online and tag us with #faarmembers to show the world Who We R!
Read the full rules and entry directions below!
Show the world Who We R! Agents and their children are invited to submit their colorful creations for a chance to win a Downtown Fredericksburg gift card! Children ages 0-17 will be entered into a drawing for one of three gift cards for $25, $15, or $5! Adults will be entered for a drawing for one $10 gift card.
When you have finished your drawing, email a photo of it to mrathbun@faarmembers.com to be posted on our website and to be entered into the drawing! For the children’s category please include the child’s first name, their age, and their parent’s company. For the adults, please include your first name and your company. To spread the fun, share your creation on social media and tag #faarmembers #thatswhoweare!
Accepting entries today through August 31, 2020! Winners will be announced September 1, 2020.
Ages 0-17
Jackson 7, Holt for Homes
Evie 4, Coldwell Banker Elite
Ellie 5, FAAR
Jack 8, FAAR
Ethan 5, Holt for Homes
Morgan 9, Coldwell Banker Elite
Logan 2, Coldwell Banker Elite
Amelia 4, Century 21 Redwood
Kaylee 7, Prime Realty LLC
Jane 6, Pathway Realty
Penny 5, Pathway Realty
Adults
Kim, FAAR
Drew, Coldwell Banker Elite