Get Involved
Events and opportunities you can get involved inOctober Healthy for Local Real Estate Market
The weather and the real estate market remained warm in October with gains in total sold dollar volume and a large reduction in days on market compared to October of 2016. An increase in prices buoyed a slight reduction in units sold to keep the market hot well into the autumn. October of 2017 posted a more than 5% increase in sold dollar volume, coming in at $128,774,826. Median price was $285,000 for the month, a year-over-year increase of 7.5%. Units sold fell slightly with a .48% decrease, going from 421 in October of 2016 down to 419 in October of 2017.
Days on market, the amount of time it takes from when a listing enters the market until it has a ratified contract, decreased over 20%, going from 72 days in October of 2016 to 57 days in October of 2017. Inventory remains low, but there were nearly 17% more listings coming onto the market in October of 2017 than the same time last year. There were 715 new listings in October of 2017 compared to 613 in October of 2016. Active listings are down slightly with a 1.78% decrease, coming in at 1,652. A bright spot in October was the number of new listings coming onto to the market, which is badly needed at this time.
Of the 419 units sold in October, more than half were financed using either a conventional loan or a VA loan. Nearly 12% of sales were cash purchases, with another 22% FHA financing. “The market is experiencing a slowdown in homes priced over $300,000 in line with normal seasonal fluctuations heading into the winter months,” commented FAAR Board of Director Pam Kuper. “Homes priced under $300,000 are still flying off the shelves with our low levels of available inventory.”
184 Tasks Agents Do for You
SO, WHAT EXACTLY DOES A REALTOR® DO FOR YOU?
Pat Vredevoogd-Combs, past president of the National Association of REALTORS®, testified before the House Financial Services Committee on Housing to blunt government complaints about industry pricing.
As part of her testimony, she submitted a list of 184 things that listing agents do in every real estate transaction.
“By all accounts,” she said, “the general public is not aware of all the services that agents provide to sellers and buyers during the course of the transaction, probably because most of the important services are performed behind the scenes.”
Pre-Listing Activities
1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation.
2. Send a written or e-mail confirmation of appointment and call to confirm.
3. Review appointment questions.
4. Research all comparable currently listed properties.
5. Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public databases.
6. Research “average days on market” for properties similar in type, price and location.
7. Download and review property tax roll information.
8. Prepare “comparable market analysis” (CMA) to establish market value.
9. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex layout.
10. Research property’s ownership and deed type.
11. Research property’s public record information for lot size and dimensions.
12. Verify legal description.
13. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions.
14. Research property’s current use and zoning.
15. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records.
16. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials.
17. Perform exterior “curb appeal assessment” of subject property.
18. Compile and assemble formal file on property.
19. Confirm current public schools and explain their impact on market value.
20. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure completion of all tasks.
Listing Appointment Presentation
21. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections.
22. Review agent and company credentials and accomplishments.
23. Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace.
24. Present CMA results, including comparables, solds, current listings and expireds.
25. Offer professional pricing strategy based and interpretation of current market conditions.
26. Discuss goals to market effectively.
27. Explain market power and benefits of multiple listing service.
28. Explain market power of Web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com.
29. Explain the work the broker and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on weekends.
30. Explain agent’s role in screening qualified buyers to protect against curiosity seekers.
31. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan.
32. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference.
33. Review all clauses in listing contract and obtain seller’s signature.
After Listing Agreement is Signed
34. Review current title information.
35. Measure overall and heated square footage.
36. Measure interior room sizes.
37. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available.
38. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements.
39. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available.
40. Review house plans, make copy.
41. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file.
42. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time with seller.
43. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and account numbers.
44. Verify current loan information with lender(s).
45. Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements.
46. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller.
47. Review current appraisal if available.
48. Identify Home Owner Association manager is applicable.
49. Verify Home Owner Association fees with manager–mandatory or optional and current annual fee.
50. Order copy of Home Owner Association bylaws, if applicable.
51. Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number.
52. Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills.
53. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system.
54. Calculate average water system fees or rates from last 12 months of bills.
55. Or confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report.
56. Research/verify natural gas availability, supplier’s name and phone number.
57. Verify security system, term of service and whether owned or leased.
58. Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond.
59. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure.
60. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact.
61. Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale.”
62. Complete list of completed repairs and maintenance items.
63. Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller if property is vacant.
64. Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller.
65. Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty application.
66. When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale.
67. Have extra key made for lockbox.
68. Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
69. Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file.
70. Verify all rents and deposits.
71. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.
72. Arrange for yard sign installation.
73. Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form.
74. Complete “new listing checklist.”
75. Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and suggest improvements for salability.
76. Review results of Interior Decor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market.
77. Load listing time into transaction management software.
Entering Property in MLS Database
78. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet–agent is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data.
79. Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS listing database.
80. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy, including property placement in mapping function.
81. Add property to company’s Active Listings.
82. Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Data Form within 48 hours.
83. Take more photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography.
Marketing the Listing
84. Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input.
85. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants and other agents. Return all calls–weekends included.
86. Install electronic lockbox. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows.
87. Prepare mailing and contact list.
88. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.
89. Order “Just Listed” labels and reports.
90. Prepare flyers and feedback forms.
91. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability.
92. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review.
93. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or flyers.
94. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mailboxes.
95. Upload listing to company and agent Internet sites, if applicable.
96. Mail “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents.
97. Advise Network Referral Program of listing.
98. Provide marketing data to buyers from international relocation networks.
99. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.
100. Provide “Special Feature” cards form marketing, if applicable/
101. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites.
102. Convey price changes promptly to all Internet groups.
103. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.
104. Review and update loan information in MLS as required.
105. Send feedback e-mails/faxes to buyers’ agents after showings.
106. Review weekly Market Study.
107. Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.
108. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing and pricing.
109. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listings database.
The Offer and the Contract
110. Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.
111. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare “net sheet” on each for owner to compare.
112. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer.
113. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer.
114. Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible.
115. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling loan officer.
116. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from loan officer.
117. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date.
118. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent.
119. Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company.
120. When Offer-to-Purchase contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent.
121. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s money into escrow account.
122. Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests.
123. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to sellers.
124. Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to selling agent.
125. Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender.
126. Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file.
127. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing.
128. Change MLS status to “Sale Pending.”
129. Update transaction management program to show “Sale Pending.”
130. Review buyer’s credit report results–Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios.
131. Provide credit report information to seller if property is to be sellerfinanced.
132. Assist buyer with obtaining financing and follow up as necessary.
133. Coordinate with lender on discount points being locked in with dates.
134. Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer.
135. Order septic inspection, if applicable.
136. Receive and review septic system report and assess any impact on sale.
137. Deliver copy of septic system inspection report to lender and buyer.
138. Deliver well flow test report copies to lender, buyer and listing file.
139. Verify termite inspection ordered.
140. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required.
Tracking the Loan Process
141. Confirm return of verifications of deposit and buyer’s employment.
142. Follow loan processing through to the underwriter.
143. Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale.
144. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track.
145. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller.
Home Inspection
146. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller.
147. Review home inspector’s report.
148. Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program.
149. Explain seller’s responsibilities of loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract.
150. Ensure seller’s compliance with home inspection clause requirements.
151. Assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors for required repairs.
152. Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed.
The Appraisal
153. Schedule appraisal.
154. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser.
155. Follow up on appraisal.
156. Enter completion into transaction management program.
157. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low.
Closing Preparations and Duties
158. Make sure contract is signed by all parties.
159. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender.
160. Update closing forms and files.
161. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.
162. Select location for closing.
163. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties.
164. Solve any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc.) or in obtaining death certificates.
165. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walkthrough prior to closing.
166. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations.
167. Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company).
168. Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy.
169. Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent.
170. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent.
171. Confirm the buyer and buyer’s agent received title insurance commitment.
172. Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing.
173. Review all closing documents carefully for errors.
174. Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested.
175. Review documents with closing agent (attorney).
176. Provide earnest money deposit from escrow account to closing agent.
177. Coordinate closing with seller’s next purchase, resolving timing issues.
178. Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing.
179. Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable.
180. Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
181. Close out listing in transaction management program.
Follow Up After Closing
182. Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company, if requested.
183. Attempt to clarify and resolve any repair conflicts if buyer is dissatisfied.
184. Respond to any follow-up calls and provide any additional information required from office files.
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If you’ve logged in previously at faarmembers.com/myaccount and already set up a security question and answer, you may reset your password from the login screen. Click on the get started button to the right of the credentials entry. If you have not set up a security question and answer previously, you can email lhillardwehr@faarmembers.com or call 540-373-7711 to have your credentials sent to you or reset.
Once you’ve successfully logged in, you may update most of your data (such as email, address, directory display preferences, email subscriptions, etc) on file with us through the “Update Member Profile” button on the faarmembers.com/myaccount page. You will see this link in the blue box shown on the page.
If you are unable to change a piece of information in the portal (such as a change of last name), you will need to fill out a contact update form from the forms page.
Update on Tax Reform
NAR is OPPOSED to the tax reform legislation unveiled in the House last week. This bill is a direct threat to consumers, to homeowners and to our businesses. Not only will millions of homeowners not benefit from the proposal, many will get a tax increase. Additionally, homeowners could lose substantial equity from the more than 10% drop in home values likely to result if the bill is enacted.
What the Legislation Would Do:
Caps the mortgage interest deduction at $500K for new mortgages
Cap applies to new mortgage debt (but not refinancing) incurred after November 2, 2017.
Limit is not indexed to inflation causing its value to even further diminish over time.
Increases the standard deduction
Puts homeownership tax incentives beyond the reach of more than 90% of American families.
Limits the exemption on Capital Gains Tax from the sale of a primary residence
New rules would require homeowners to live in their home for 5 of 8 years before a sale to qualify for the exemption, versus just 2 of previous 5 years today. This will create a hardship to homeowners who have to move inside that five-year window.
Exemption phases out for single filers with incomes over $250K ($500K for joint returns).
Eliminates the deduction for state and local income or sales taxes.
Eliminates the Mortgage Interest Deduction for second homes.
Eliminates the deduction for moving expenses.
Eliminates the deduction on interest on student loans.
Eliminates the deduction for medical expenses, even for the elderly.
All this from a bill that is supposed to improve the current system. Not only is this legislation a clear and present danger to American homeownership, it will cost our children and grandchildren $1.5 trillion in new federal debt.
- Millions of middle class homeowners would see a tax hike under this plan.
- This plan attacks homeownership and sticks future generations with a $1.5 trillion price tag.
- America’s homeowners should not pay for corporate tax cuts.
- Hard-working homeowners will lose money when their home values fall, while corporations will get a huge tax break.
- Homeowners in all 50 states would be double-taxed on the money they pay for state/local taxes.
- If you buy a home and then have to move within 5 years, you could be hit with a big tax bill under this plan.
TAKE ACTION NOW
View the 2017 NAR Annual Conference from anywhere!
Did you know?
The REALTORS® Conference & Expo was ranked #10 on a list of the Most Innovative Meetings by Bizbash due to the Conference Live initiative. Much of that success comes from the hard work of Featured Attendees who provide their unique perspectives to create an amazing virtual event experience for real estate professionals.
What is Conference Live?
It’s an online window to the REALTORS® Conference & Expo and it takes viewers behind-the-scenes of real estate’s largest event happening this weekend in Chicago. Members at home can watch interviews with conference speakers and view exhibitor demonstrations. Plus, they can follow along with the experiences of over 35 Featured Attendees – REALTORS® and board staff from across the U.S. – who will share their personal experiences and reflections during the event.
Who are this year’s Featured Attendees?
| NAME | STATE | LOCAL BOARD |
| Emmary Simpson | Arizona | Tucson Association of REALTORS® |
| Heather Ozur | California | Palm Springs Regional Association of REALTORS® |
| Veronica Malolos | Florida | Central Florida Commercial Association of REALTORS® |
| Michael Bull | Georgia | Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® |
| Tim Hur | Georgia | Atlanta REALTORS® Association |
| Chris Pelkola Lee | Idaho | Greater Idaho Falls Association of REALTORS® |
| Raphael Barta | Idaho | Selkirk Association of REALTORS® |
| Alex Ruggieri | Illinois | Champaign County Association of REALTORS® |
| Carrie Little | Illinois | Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® |
| Christopher Tenggren | Illinois | REALTOR® Association of the Fox Valley |
| Marki Lemons Ryhal | Illinois | Chicago Association of REALTORS® |
| Matt DiFanis | Illinois | Champaign County Association of REALTORS® |
| Shay Hata | Illinois | Chicago Association of REALTORS® |
| Kyle Handsen | Iowa | Central Iowa Board of REALTORS® |
| Crystal Swearingen | Kansas | Lawrence Board of REALTORS® |
| Lola Audu | Michigan | Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS® |
| Michelle Walker | Missouri | St. Charles County Association of REALTORS® |
| Sean Moore | Missouri | Columbia Board of REALTORS® |
|
Jacy Riedmann |
Nebraska and Texas | Austin Board of REALTORS®, Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®, Omaha Area Board of REALTORS®, Lincoln Association of REALTORS® |
|
Amy Shocket |
Nevada |
Reno Sparks Association of REALTORS® |
| Tracy Freeman | New Jersey | North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® |
| Leigh Brown | North Carolina | Charlotte Regional REALTOR® Association |
| Andrew Sims | Ohio | Dayton Area Board of REALTORS® |
| Axay Parekh | Oklahoma | Greater Tulsa Association of REALTORS® |
| Kerri Hartnett | Oregon | Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® |
| Steve Strode | Oregon | Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® |
| Erica Ramus | Pennsylvania | Schuylkill County Board of REALTORS® |
| Brian Copeland | Tennessee | Greater Nashville Association of REALTORS® |
| Monica Neubauer | Tennessee | Williams County Association of REALTORS® |
| Jennifer Archambeault | Texas | Austin Board of REALTORS® |
| John Rosshirt | Texas | Austin Board of REALTORS® |
| Sylvia Seabolt | Texas | Collin County Association of REALTORS® |
| Heather Elias | Virginia | Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® |
| John Blom | Washington | Clark County Board of REALTORS® |
| Tom Hormel | Washington | Spokane Association of REALTORS® |
| Lori Muller | Wisconsin | REALTORS® Association of Northeast Wisconsin |
Visit Conference Live, online now at www.ConferenceLive.realtor. The site will be active primarily November 3-6, 2017, and is a free resource for real estate professionals, regardless of ability to attend the event. You can even enter to win a free trip to the 2018 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in Boston. After the event, the site will remain up as a resource for real estate professionals through 2018.
Realtors® Mobilize to Protect Tax Benefits of Homeownership
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) joins fellow Realtors® and affiliates from across the country in advocating for the protection of homeownership-related tax provisions during the current tax reform debate. Proposals being discussed on Capitol Hill would dilute the Mortgage Interest Deduction and the deduction of state and local property taxes.
The loss of these tax benefits could lead to a real estate market adjustment where homeowners could see a loss of 10% or more in their property values. In addition, taxes would be raised on middle class homeowners at a time when homeowners pay more than 83% of all taxes collected. Pending tax reform plans threaten to wipe out the tax benefits of owning a home for 95% of American families.
Under the current tax law, homeowners are allowed a deduction for mortgage interest paid. The deduction is generally allowed for interest paid on mortgage debt of up to $1 million, and is available for interest on mortgages for a principal residence and one additional residence. The $1 million limitation represents the combined allowable debt on two residences. Mortgage interest on up to $100,000 of debt on home equity loans or lines of credit also qualifies for the deduction.
The United States has a long history of encouraging homeownership in the tax code and any reform must first do no harm to homeowners. Realtors® are supportive of comprehensive tax reform that simplifies the tax code, but not at the expense of middle class families.
The National Association of Realtors®, representing over 1 million Realtors® nationwide, is working closely with the Trump Administration and the U.S. Congress to advocate for comprehensive tax reform that preserves the benefits of homeownership.
Don’t forget to vote on November 7!
Election Day is less than a week away and it features some pretty contentious races such as for Governor and Attorney General. Polls will be open on Tuesday, November 7 from 6:00am to 7:00pm and anyone in line by 7:00pm will be allowed to vote. Not sure where you vote? Click here to find your polling place and also what races will be on your ballot.
FAAR understands that many factors go into your decision about who to vote for and why, but if your business is one of those factors, please consider supporting FAAR-endorsed candidates. Members of the FAAR Public Policy Committee take an entire day to interview nearly every candidate running for office and then decide to endorse only those candidates who they believe will support the real estate industry and have an open door policy for our concerns. FAAR has endorsed the following candidates in races throughout the Fredericksburg region:
General Assembly
Bob Thomas (R-House-28)
Bobby Orrock (R-House-54)
Mark Cole (R-House-88)
Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors
Kevin Marshall (Berkeley)
Gary Skinner (Lee Hill)
Chris Yakabouski (Battlefield)
Stafford County Board of Supervisors
Meg Bohmke (Falmouth)
Sharon Foley (Aquia)
King George County Board of Supervisors
Cathy Binder (Shiloh)
Sign up to be a Candlelight Tour House Guide this December!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be the tour guide for one of Fredericksburg’s finest historic homes on this once a year tour presented by the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation. Inc. (HFFI). Tour hours are Saturday and Sunday, December 9th and 10th, from 11 am to 5pm and Saturday evening from 6 – 8 pm. The house guides receive hosting scripts containing all the information available. This will include information about the decorations and the house history/ architecture. This information is just as important as the items contained in the home and is necessary to not only meet the expectations of our guests, but also to make sure our decorators get all the credit and attention they deserve. Finding willing decorators can be a challenge some years and we have found that “making it worth it” needs to be done through a variety of methods. Promotion of them through our website and Facebook is one way, but ensuring that visitors hear about aspects of the decor, as well as hear the decorator’s name, is important.
We are hosting the Candlelight Tour at 1200 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
Thursday, December 7th from 10:00 am-11:00 am we will have our Preview and Run Down meeting for the house we are presenting.
You will also have a chance to get discounted tickets for the Candlelight Tour at this time
Sign up to host a tour at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c45aaae2ea31-2017
Record-breaking year for Cereal Drive—Over 18,000 boxes collected!
WINNERS
Affiliate Office
Alcova Mortgage, 576 boxes
Most Cereal Per Agent
Century 21 Battlefield King George, 2203 boxes
Runner up, Most Improved
Century 21 Redwood Stafford, from 87 to 700 boxes
Most Improved
United Real Estate Premier, from 0 to 2808 boxes
Runner up, Most Cereal Collected
Century 21 New Millennium Fredericksburg, 2923 boxes
Grand Prize, Most Cereal Collected
1st Choice Better Homes and Land 5019 boxes
PARTICIPANTS
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Select
Century 21 Redwood – Locust Grove
Nest Realty Group – Fredericksburg
1st Choice Better Homes and Land
CTI Real Estate
Alcova Mortgage
United Real Estate Premier
Century 21 Redwood – Fredericksburg
Long and Foster Fredericksburg
Century 21 Battlefield
Century 21 New Millennium Fredericksburg
Coldwell Banker Elite Downtown
REMAX Legacy
FAAR
Ulta Realty
Century 21 Redwood – Stafford
Coldwell Banker Elite – Stafford
Virginia CU Realty
Embrace Home Loans
Keller Williams Realty – Stafford
Keller Williams Realty – Fredericksburg
Holt for Homes
Movement Mortgage
#MemberMonday | Meet Alex Long
Alex Long
Hometown
Fredericksburg
Current Location
Port Royal (downtown)
Title
Associate Broker with Weichert REALTORS® of Fredericksburg; CCIM, ALC, AICP
Number of Years in the Industry
39 to 40
Why do you love working in real estate?
Same reason Genghis Khan gave for his travels: seeing interesting places and meeting new people.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Helped a number of people and helped create a number of developments and also conserve land thru conservation easements.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
I serve on the Town of Port Royal Town Council and Planning Commission; giving blood is easier and less painful. Also served on the FAAR Professional Standards Committee for a number of years, and many years ago, Grievance Committee.
Fun Fact
My library is spread in piles over the house because the bookshelves are full; perhaps 2,000+ books. Was graduated from the ‘Couch Potato to 5k” school in September, 2014 and generally average over two races a month and training. Still a lousy runner with little skill and lesser ability; but is all about trying. There is a lot of courage in the back of the pack. Finished this year’s Marine Corps Marathon at 11,203 out of 20,150 finishers; 162 out of 401 in my 60-64 age group.
