News
Recent news, business resources and press releases.New Real Estate Podcasts
Listen to hot topics in real estate whether you’re on the go or lounging at home!
FAAR Releases May 2026 Housing Statistics
The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.
Nate Ferguson, FAAR Director, provides the following comments on the current market.
“Right now, I would describe the market as active but much more balanced than it was a couple of years ago. Buyers are cautious and value-conscious because of interest rates, but serious buyers are still moving quickly when a well-priced home in good condition hits the market. Sellers are starting to realize that the days of throwing a home on the market at any price and getting multiple offers immediately are fading, so pricing and presentation matter much more now.
The pace of transactions is still steady, though deals require more strategy and negotiation than before. Inventory has improved, which gives buyers more breathing room, but supply is still somewhat constrained, especially for updated homes in desirable neighborhoods and affordable price points. Finding the right home is easier than it was during the peak frenzy, but buyers still need to stay prepared because the best properties do not sit long.”
MEMBER ALERT: Local Safety Incident & Key Reminders
REALTOR safety alert and essential showing practices
📢 What happenedThe Incident
An agent received a call from someone claiming to own a property and wanting to sell quickly. The caller raised several red flags:
- Claimed to be hospitalized and unable to meet in person.
- Instructed the agent to enter the unlocked property alone and stay on the phone throughout.
- Began asking personal questions unrelated to real estate.
🛡️ Best practices
7 Essential Safety Practices
Office-First Rule
Meet new prospects at your office or a public place before any property visit.
Verify ID
Request a driver's license photo before showing. Predators avoid verification.
Leave a Digital Trail
Log every appointment — address, client name, phone, and expected return time.
Two-Person Rule
Never go alone to a vacant or remote property, or when something feels off.
Tactical Positioning
Always let clients walk ahead. Avoid basements, closets, and confined spaces.
Code Words
Pre-arrange a distress phrase with a contact who will call 911 if they hear it.
Arrive Early & Park Smart
Get there 15 min early. Always park on the street — never in the driveway.
🛠️ Resources
Tools to Keep You Safe
Screen Prospects with Forewarn
Virginia REALTORS® members can instantly verify identity, criminal history, and property records with just a phone number.
Learn about Forewarn ↗NAR Safety Checklists & Webinars
Extensive safety protocols, office forms, and training from the National Association of REALTORS®.
NAR Safety Program ↗No commission is worth your life. If a prospect resists safety precautions — walk away.
🛡️ View all resourcesLocal Leaders Tackle the Future of Affordability
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS®, along with partner organizations the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads Alliance, recently welcomed local elected officials, housing leaders, and community members to Richmond Recap: The Future of Affordability, a regional discussion focused on the policies shaping affordability across Virginia. The event provided valuable insight into housing supply, taxes, and other key issues impacting families and local business owners.
The partnering organizations extend a sincere thank you to Delegate Margaret Franklin, Delegate Phil Scott, Delegate Stacey Carroll, Delegate Josh Cole, Delegate Nicole Cole, Senator Tara Durant, Senator Bryce Reeves and moderator Tom Scott from Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads Alliance, who took time to share their expertise and engage in meaningful conversation about the future of affordability across the Commonwealth. Special thanks to Fairway Home Mortgage for sponsoring the event and helping make this important community conversation possible.
Missed the event or want to revisit the highlights? Be sure to check out the event photo gallery below.
Summer Law Series: Stay Sharp this Summer
Virginia real estate laws, regulations, and contracts keep changing — and busy agents do not have time to sort through hundreds of pages of updates alone. FAAR’s Summer Law Series is designed to give you the practical information you need to protect your business, reduce risk, and stay confident in your transactions.
This three-part series focuses on the real-world legal issues impacting REALTORS® right now, from new legislation to disclosure requirements and contract updates. Each class is short, focused, and built for agents who want clear answers they can use immediately with clients.
Upcoming Classes
June 24, 2026 — 2026 New Laws
Hear directly from the Virginia REALTORS® Legal Team about the latest laws passed by the General Assembly and how they impact your day-to-day business, compliance, and client conversations.
July 16, 2026 — Triple Play: Regulations, Laws & Contract Changes
State Delegate and attorney Marcus Simon returns to the FAAR Academy classroom to break down legislative updates, regulatory changes, and important NVAR contract revisions in one fast-paced session.
July 22, 2026 — Duties of Disclosure
Learn how disclosure requirements affect Virginia transactions, including material defects, environmental hazards, and common property condition issues that can create liability for agents and sellers.
Why attend?
- Stay compliant and reduce risk
- Build confidence in difficult transactions
- Better explain changes to buyers and sellers
- Protect your reputation and business
- Earn CE/PL credit while sharpening practical skills
Strong agents stay informed. Five-star agents stay ahead.
Register for upcoming classes at faarmembers.com/calendar
Apply for the 2027 FAAR Board of Directors
Your Association. Your Voice. Your Leadership.
FAAR is now accepting applications for the 2027 Board of Directors.
This is your chance to help guide the future of your association—your professional home away from home. In a time of industry change and new opportunities, FAAR is looking for passionate, thoughtful leaders who want to give back to the real estate community that supports them.
Whether you’ve served on a committee or are stepping into leadership for the first time, your unique perspective matters. Your voice helps shape the programs, policies, and advocacy that empower agents to succeed.
Nominations are open through July 1st.
What does the Board do?
FAAR’s Board of Directors is the governing body for the association. With 13 seats—12 REALTORS® and 1 Affiliate—the Board sets policy, provides financial oversight, and ensures our strategic goals reflect the needs of members. Meetings are held every other month (third Tuesday of even-numbered months).
How many seats are available?
The Nominating Committee will select one to three nominees per open seat. Voting members of the Association will elect the Directors during the official election period.
How long is the commitment?
-
Director terms: 2 years
-
Officer terms: 1 year (except Treasurer: 2 years)
-
Affiliate Director term: 1 year
How do I apply?
1. Review the position details and expectations: Board Job Description – Director
2. Complete the Candidate Profile Form.
Email your completed form to:
Page Browning, FAAR CEO
pbrowning@faarmembers.com
What happens after I apply?
Eligible applicants will be invited to interview in person at the FAAR office on Wednesday, July 15.
Questions?
Reach out to Page Browning at pbrowning@faarmembers.com
or connect with any of our current FAAR leadership team.
Whether you’re new to leadership or a familiar face in our community, there’s a place for you at the table. Help shape the direction of your association—your home away from home—and ensure every member has the support they need to thrive.
Commuter Options for Your Clients!
Have clients looking for better ways to navigate the region’s growing commuter challenges? FAAR recently hosted our local commuter experts as they shared a helpful overview of local commuter services and transportation options available through GW RideConnect.
In this quick 20-minute recording, you’ll learn more about:
- Carpool and vanpool programs
- Public transit options
- Slugging resources
- Commuter incentives and support services
- Transportation tools that may benefit you and your clients
As traffic patterns and commuting needs continue to shape housing decisions across our region, understanding these transportation resources can help REALTORS® better serve buyers, sellers, and relocating clients.
What REALTORS® Should Know About Proposed Louisa County Land Use Changes
Louisa County officials are discussing major proposed zoning and growth management changes aimed at slowing residential growth in rural areas and preserving farmland and forestland. Topics include increasing minimum lot sizes in agricultural zoning, expanding setback and road frontage requirements, exploring tools like transfer and purchase of development rights, and addressing temporary workforce housing tied to data center and infrastructure growth. Planning Commission discussions are still in the early stages, with additional work sessions and public hearings expected before any decisions are made.
Minimum Lot Sizes
- Increase minimum lot size in agricultural zoning outside designated growth areas from 1.5 acres up to as much as 15 acres
- Goal is to slow residential growth, preserve farmland, and reduce fragmentation of rural land
- Existing smaller lots would still be buildable, but new subdivisions would face stricter requirements
Road Frontage Requirements
- Increase required road frontage for new lots from 300 feet to 450 feet
- Intended to spread homes farther apart and maintain rural character
Setback Requirements
- Increase home setbacks from roads from the current 50–60 feet to either:
- A minimum of 250 feet, or
- A required “building band” between 200 and 300 feet from the road
- The “band” concept is designed to keep larger portions of land usable for farming and forestry while limiting scattered residential development
Family Subdivision Changes
- Maintain the current 1.5-acre minimum lot size for family divisions
- Add a new combined ownership and retention requirement of up to 15 years before resale
- Sliding scale would tie resale restrictions to how long the original owner held the property
- Proposal is intended to discourage investors from using family divisions for short-term land speculation while preserving legitimate family transfers
If you’re concerned about the impact of these growth management tools on private property rights in the county, consider reaching out to your local Supervisors and Planning Commission members.
FAAR Release April 2026 Housing Statistics
The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.
Jennifer Caison, FAAR Director, provides the following comments on the current market.
“The local real estate market remained very active throughout April, with strong activity from both buyers and sellers. Well-prepared, move-in ready homes that were priced appropriately continued to sell quickly, while properties requiring updates or lacking proper preparation generally experienced longer days on market. The under $450,000 price range remained especially competitive, with many homes receiving multiple offers. While inventory levels have increased, creating a healthier and more balanced market overall, buyers are beginning to gain slightly more negotiating power, particularly when it comes to closing cost assistance and home inspection repairs. Overall, April reflected a steady, healthy market with strong buyer demand and continued opportunities for both buyers and sellers.”
New in Nestfully: Schedule Showings on the Go
Following a recent update in the Nestfully app, you can now schedule showings right from your mobile device. With the ability to coordinate with clients and listing agents and lock in appointments that work for all parties, this feature is another way this app helps you stay productive and connected wherever business takes you.
In addition to showings scheduling, other recent app enhancements let you:
- Share a personalized QR code or link so clients can connect with you instantly
- Quickly update listing details like price, status, and open houses
- View client search activity to better understand their preferences
These tools are built to help you manage your business more efficiently, whether you’re in the office or on the go.
Log in to your Nestfully account to explore these features, or download the app to get started.
55+ Success Summit – Helping Agents Better Serve the Senior Housing Market
FAAR recently hosted the 55+ Success Summit to equip real estate professionals with practical knowledge to confidently guide clients through the housing decisions that come with aging, downsizing, and multigenerational living. This workshop connected agents with trusted local experts and resources that support housing stability, accessibility, and long-term planning for older adults.
We’ve compiled some resources that could assist in working with senior clients. From NAR’s newest designation, the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), to tips on getting the best return for renovations, these resources will help your clients with everything from downsizing to aging in place.
Press Releases
FAAR Releases May 2026 Housing Statistics
The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.Nate Ferguson, FAAR Director, provides the following comments on the...
Local Leaders Tackle the Future of Affordability
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS®, along with partner organizations the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and Virginia's Innovation Crossroads Alliance, recently welcomed local elected officials,...
FAAR Release April 2026 Housing Statistics
The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.Jennifer Caison, FAAR Director, provides the following comments on...
FAAR Release March 2026 Housing Statistics
The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) is pleased to release the latest housing market statistics to keep our community informed on local trends in home sales, prices, and inventory.Tamar Myers-Moffatt, FAAR Vice President, provides the following...