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3 Reasons You & Your Clients Should Be Using Nestfully
Connect with your clients like never before—and deliver real value to them at the same time—in the MLS-fueled, collaboration-forward real estate app you’ve been waiting for.
You and your clients are in this together. Why not work like a team?
The new Nestfully app makes it easy to do just that, giving you a thoughtfully designed, feature-rich digital space where you can collaborate, communicate, and help your clients navigate their home journey from search to close.
We know you’d never trust your business and reputation to a tool that doesn’t deliver, so we’ve got a shortlist of reasons you can use Nestfully with absolute confidence—and encourage your clients to do the same.
3 Reasons You & Your Clients Should Use Nestfully
✅It makes collaboration simple. Everyone is busy these days. Trying to sync up schedules and work around each party’s availability can be a challenge—and that costs valuable time. With Nestfully, you can easily invite your clients to work with you right inside the app, where you’ll be able to share listings and exchange messages to keep their home search moving forward.
✅It’s packed with info you can trust. Nestfully’s listing data comes directly from the MLS. Your clients might not understand the importance of that—but as an agent, we know you do! It means you can trust that when they’re searching with Nestfully, they’re seeing the most accurate, detailed, up-to-date listings on the market. (We probably don’t have to tell you that’s not always the case on some of those other home search apps.)
✅It’s free for you and free for them—but delivers real value. Nestfully is one example of when the saying “you get what you pay for” isn’t true. You pay nothing, your clients pay nothing, and yet you both get a whole lot in return. For them, it’s the confidence of having you—their chosen expert—right at their fingertips throughout their home journey, standing by with answers, guidance, and expertise when they need it most. For you, it’s the opportunity to nurture your client relationships and turn client interactions into lifelong connections.
Start Using Nestfully Today
Download the app by clicking the link below and create an account to get started. It’s easy to invite your clients to join you there so you can start working together right away. With even more fantastic features already in the works, you’re going to want to jump in early!
Virginia REALTORS® adds Forewarn as Member Benefit
Sign Up for Your Complimentary FOREWARN Account
Virginia REALTORS® is now providing a new complimentary benefit through a partnership with FOREWARN, an application that brings knowledge to the real estate industry through innovative solutions to ensure safer engagements and smarter interactions. You can begin properly and safely planning for showings, with a higher level of intelligence and confidence, by activating your account today.
If you already have an account, there is nothing you need to do. If you have login or billing issues, please contact FOREWARN.
Set Up Your Complimentary FOREWARN Account Today
- Click here and enter your email address when prompted to do so (be sure to use the same email address that this email was sent to as it will serve as your FOREWARN ‘Username’).
- You will receive an activation email from FOREWARN, open it and click the link as instructed. If you do not see the email, be sure to check your junk/spam folder.
- You will be prompted to enter an authentication code that will have just been texted, or optionally read to you via automated call, to your phone number on file. Upon completion you will be prompted to create a password.
- Now you are ready to download the FOREWARN app by clicking on the appropriate link below from your mobile device, or searching for FOREWARN in the app store.
- After activating your account, you can also log into your FOREWARN account from any web browser via the FOREWARN.com homepage (click ‘Sign In’ at top-right) or via this link: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/2249bc61/wjiiYogJoUGsXcRyJjypIA?u=https://app.forewarn.com/
Common Errors:
- If you are not receiving the text/call authentication code, FOREWARN may have the wrong cell phone number on file. Please contact FOREWARN Support at 561.757.4551 to update them with your correct cell phone number.
- If you do not see the email after checking your junk or spam folder, this may be due to the fact that your account could not be set up as FOREWARN does not have your cell phone number. Please contact FOREWARN Support at 561.757.4551 to provide them with your cell phone number.
Note: If you already have a FOREWARN account, there is nothing you need to do! Services will not be interrupted and Virginia REALTORS® now has you covered.
Forms FAQ
What are real estate forms and how do I find them?
You’ll commonly hear the real estate contracts used to buy and sell homes referred to as forms. Many local and state associations have developed standard forms for many aspects of a property transaction, typically through a forms committee with the assistance of association legal counsel and/or local real estate attorneys. Forms can also be provided by Multiple Listing Services, or even your company. Talk to your broker to determine your office’s preferred source for forms.
The terms, deadlines and conditions specified on these forms will vary from state to state, depending on applicable laws and regulations in each jurisdiction. Forms may need to be updated from time to time due to changes in state laws or regulations.
The following are some examples of commonly used forms or contracts:
- Listing agreement
- Buyer representation agreement
- Agency representation agreement
- Property disclosure form
- Contract to purchase a single-family home
- Contract to purchase a condominium
Each form must be fully and accurately completed by the real estate professional to reflect a unique transaction.
Which forms should I use?
Your broker can advise you which forms are used in your office and how to acquire them and fill them out.
What are commonly used forms in Virginia?
Four forms commonly used in Virginia include the
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NVAR: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Residential Contract
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VAR: Virginia Association of Realtors Contract
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REIN: Residential Contract Real Estate Information Network
- CVR: Central Virginia Regional Contract
How do the 4 main Virginia real estate forms differ?
These contracts differ in regards to Earnest Money Deposits, Settlement Date and Timing, Possession, the Financing Contingency, Home Inspection Contingency, and Appraisal Contingency. The contracts also differ when there is a title defect as well as some differ due to local customs particular to certain regions in Virginia.
If I’m attending a “Contracts” class, how do I know which forms the class covers?
The Contracts class within the CE/PL seminars offered every 2 months at FAAR cover the NVAR contract because it is the most widely used contract in the area. Any Contract classes hosted in conjunction with Virginia REALTORS® covers the Virginia REALTORS® forms. The other 2 contracts are not as commonly found in the Fredericksburg Area and not usually covered in classes at FAAR.
Why should agents be familiar with a variety of forms?
It is beneficial for REALTORS® to know the differences between forms because it is possible to receive offers on any of these forms so knowing how they compare is another way a knowledgeable REALTOR® can show their value.
Are there any forms included with my REALTOR® member benefits?
FAAR REALTOR® members are also members of the Virginia REALTORS® which provides members access to Virginia REALTORS® forms and transaction management software including Skyslope Forms and Skyslope Digisign. Learn more about these great member benefits at virginiarealtors.org/skyslope.
Note: FAAR does not offer contract forms so searching faarmembers.com for forms will lead you to faarmembers.com/forms where other membership-related forms are posted.
King George County looks to major downzoning to stop growth in rural areas
On November 4, 2024, the King George County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to send a resolution to the Planning Commission to initiate a text amendment to dramatically increase minimum lot sizes in all three agricultural zoning districts. These changes would impact over 90% of all land in the County. The increases would change the current lot sizes as follows: A-1 which encompasses about 38% of the County would go from 10 acres to 50 acres, A-2 which encompasses about 52% of the County would go from 2 acres to 20 acres, and A-3 which encompasses just 1% of the County would go from 1 acre to 10 acres. The resolution further directs the Planning Commission to hold at least one public hearing on the issue and to send their recommendations back to the Board of Supervisors.
FAAR is strongly opposed to this drastic downzoning as a violation of private property rights and a bankrupting of rural land owners. This action could greatly devalue land throughout the County and could increase the tax burden on all citizens as that lost revenue would need to be made up in higher taxes. FAAR stands against this proposed ordinance change and has initiated the following action steps.
- Letter of concern sent to the King George County Planning Commission
- Letter of concern being drafted to the King George County Board of Supervisors
- Developing an education and action campaign utilizing the National Association of Realtors Issues Mobilization grant to alert County citizens about the proposed changes and give them an opportunity to take action
The King George County Planning Commission met and discussed this item recently and requested more Board direction on what the Supervisors were looking to accomplish with this action. One member stated that a 50-acre minimum is a non-starter and expressed a desire to have a work session with the Board before the Planning Commission initiated any action on this item.
FAAR hosted Supervisor Cathy Binder as part of our regularly scheduled Real Estate Roundtable series and this topic was addressed. Supervisor Binder indicated that for her, this resolution was just the start of a conversation to talk about ways to address growth in the rural areas. She stated that transportation concerns are a big part of this desire as smaller, rural roads cannot always handle significant growth. FAAR looks forward to continuing a dialogue with Supervisor Binder and hopefully other Supervisors as we work to fight this onerous proposed change.
Access below the full text of the resolution and ordinance below and also the letter that FAAR sent to the Planning Commission.
Grow Your Business with an App Designed with You in Mind
Collaborate, communicate, and cultivate client relationships with the cutting-edge app that’sbuilt to keep you at the heart of your clients’home journeys.
Great news, agents—the collaborative, MLS-powered mobile app you’ve been waiting for is here! Free offees and packed with powerful features to grow your business, the new Nestfully app is designed to helpyou nurture the most valuable asset for any successful agent—your client relationships.
Powerful Tools Keep You at the Heart of Your Client’s Home Journey
Here’s what you can do in the app right now:
- Manage buyers and leads on the go
- Gain insights into client activity and behavior
- Search and share listings in a snap
- Expedite communication with in-app messaging
Plus, there’s plenty more to come as Nestfully spreads its wings, including:
- In-app listing creation and management
- Boundary walk
- An integrated, agent-assisted AVM tool
- The ability to promote your listings with powerful social tools
- And more!
3 Things You’ll Love About Nestfully
You might be wondering: How is Nestfully different from all the other real estate apps out there? Here are just a few ways this app sets itself apart.
- It helps you do what you do best—build relationships. Nestfully never gets between you and your clients. It provides a user-friendly space where you can work together for a successful home journey!
- It’s fueled by the MLS . Featuring up-to-date, accurate property listings straight from the source you know and trust, Nestfully keeps you and your clients on the same page.
- It’s free—really. Nestfully and all its features are included as part of your MLS subscription, so it’s yours to enjoy with no subscription fees, no referral fees, no B.S.! Don’t be the one who leaves this valuable tool on the table
Start Building Stronger Client Connections Now
Download the app at the link below and create an account today. Make sure to invite your clients to meet you there for next-level collaboration!
2024 Housing Market Sees Cautious Buyers and Sellers Amid High Prices and Low Inventory
“The Fredericksburg area real estate market in 2024 was marked by constrained inventory, making it a challenging year for buyers and sellers alike,” comments 2025 FAAR President Lauren Tate. “Buyers faced intense competition, rising interest rates, and affordability concerns, which often priced first-time buyers out of the market. Many had to compete with cash offers or waive contingencies like inspections and appraisals just to remain competitive. Additionally, buyers struggled with the uncertainty of fluctuating interest rates, which affected their purchasing power and often caused hesitation or last-minute changes in plans.” Tate also points out that sellers were not immune from these concerns, as even those with significant equity in their homes hesitated to list their properties. Fears of not finding a suitable replacement, the rising cost of “trading up”, and much higher interest rates than on their current mortgage kept many would-be sellers on the sidelines.
These factors were the backdrop to a housing market that still saw increasing prices despite the headwinds dampening demand. The year closed with a total sold dollar volume of $2.8 billion which represents a nearly 7% increase over the year-end $2.6 billion total for 2023. Median price ticked up nearly 4% year-over-year from the end of 2023 coming in at $456,875 for 2024 versus $439,900 the year before.
Every jurisdiction within the FAAR footprint, except the City of Fredericksburg, saw a significant increase in annual median price with Caroline County and Colonial Beach taking the lead with 8% increases from 2023. These jurisdictions also happen to be the most affordable in the region with a 2024 median price of $366,900 and $325,000 respectively. Stafford and King George counties took the lead on highest regional price at $520,000 and $465,000 respectively. Spotsylvania and Orange counties were not far behind with median prices of $450,000 and $414,900 respectively. The City of Fredericksburg settled at $447,450 with a scant 1% decline in price from the previous year.
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 by just one day, going from 27 days on average in 2023 to 28 days in 2024. However, the largest portion of homes still sold very quickly, with 2,587 homes flying off the market in 10 days or less.
Nearly 41% of homebuyers utilized a conventional mortgage for financing with another 27% qualifying for VA loans. Cash buyers made up another 12% of the market. The average mortgage rate for 2024 was about 6.7%.
December closed the year with small declines in year-over-year total sold volume and units sold. Prices saw an increase of 5% going from $425,000 in 2023 to $445,000 in December of 2024. Spotsylvania and Caroline counties saw significant price and volume increases in December, while King George and Stafford counties had notable declines. Caroline led the pack in December of 2024 with a 50% increase in total sales volume fueled by a nearly 17% increase in median price and a 15% increase in units sold. Caroline closed out the year with a monthly median price of $394,900, the highest monthly median price on record for the County. Stafford County saw a more than 13% decline in total sales volume fueled by a nearly flat year-over-year median price of $495,000 and a nearly 10% decline in units sold.
December of 2024 did see a bright spot in inventory supply as active listings on the market jumped by more than 20% from the end of 2023. December of 2023 saw just 660 homes on the market, but December of 2024 saw an inventory recovery of nearly 800 homes to choose from, though still well below the 1,000 market that was typical before 2019.
Realtors® are optimistic about the pent-up demand in would-be buyers in 2025 and the slight balancing of the market as more inventory makes its way on the market. Retaining a Realtor® to guide buyers and sellers through the tricky homebuying process can help alleviate a lot of stress as their local neighborhood expertise provides a solid foundation.
2024 REALTORS® Consumer Advocacy Outreach Program Results
In 2024, FAAR received a $30,000 National Association of REALTORS® Consumer Advocacy Outreach Program grant to conduct a public awareness campaign on the importance of housing affordability.
The campaign included a landing page showcasing local market data and highlighting the need for a wide variety of housing price points. FAAR also recorded a testimonial video with a prospective buyer and a local housing advocate to provide a first-hand account of our challenging market.
Both the information page and the video were promoted through Facebook and YouTube ads shared through the FAAR social media channels.
Look below for images and results from the campaign.
Fair Housing Training Requirement: What You Need to Know
Starting in 2025, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) requires all REALTOR® members to complete two hours of fair housing training every three years as a condition of REALTOR® membership. This new requirement aligns with the existing Code of Ethics training cycle and applies to both new applicants and existing members.
How to Meet the Requirement
You can satisfy this requirement by completing one of the following courses:
- At Home With Diversity: Focuses on working successfully in diverse marketplaces.
- Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing: Helps identify and interrupt stereotypes to avoid fair housing violations.
- Fairhaven: NAR’s updated online fair housing simulation (qualifies as the free option).
- Qualified Equivalent Courses: Approved courses provided by state/local associations, NAR institutes, societies, councils, or state licensing authorities.
- Non-Residential Practitioner Course: A forthcoming training on bias and anti-discrimination.
This initiative is part of NAR’s Fair Housing Action Plan (ACT!), which emphasizes accountability, culture change, and training to protect housing rights across the country.
How It Reflects on Your FAAR Account
At faarmembers.com/myaccount, your dashboard profile now includes a field labeled “Fair Housing Cycle Complete”.
- If you have met the fair housing training requirement for the current three-year cycle, this field will display “Yes.”
- If the requirement is incomplete, it will display “No.”
This feature allows you to quickly verify your compliance status and ensures a seamless way to track your progress.
FAAR will offer Fair Housing and Ethics classes free every other month beginning February 2025 to help members meet this requirement. Stay proactive by completing your training early in the cycle to maintain your REALTOR® membership without interruptions.
For more information, visit NAR Fair Housing or contact FAAR.
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) Celebrates the Installation of its 2025 Board of Directors
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) celebrated the installation of its 2025 Board of Directors at Stevenson Ridge on December 5, 2024. Under the leadership of 2024 President Randy Walther, the Association served more than 1,700 REALTORS® throughout the region with exceptional educational offerings, robust networking opportunities, and steadfast advocacy to protect and promote the real estate industry.
Walther presented the President’s Award to Immediate Past President Carol Sondrini, recognizing her for her leadership and dedication throughout her presidency.
Looking ahead to 2025, incoming President Lauren Tate outlined her vision for the year, emphasizing the importance of fostering community and championing innovation in a time of industry change.
The installation ceremony was officiated by Sherry Bailey, who administered the oath of office. Tate was installed as President by Kevin McGrath and Chip Taylor.
The 2025 FAAR Leadership team is as follows:
Officers
- President: Lauren Tate, Long & Foster
- President-Elect: Matthew Rathbun, Coldwell Banker Elite
- Vice President: Gary Gardiner Jr., Coldwell Banker Elite
- Secretary/Treasurer: Tamar Myers-Moffatt, Samson Properties
- Immediate Past President: Randy Walther, River Fox Realty
Directors
- Jennifer Caison, Coldwell Banker Elite
- Heather Ferris, Coldwell Banker Elite
- Rachel Flynn, Nest Realty
- Meghan Kala, Pathway Realty
- Denise Smith, Century 21 Redwood
Affiliate Director
- Phillip Blake, MBH Settlement Group
FAAR is poised to continue its mission of supporting REALTORS®, protecting the real estate industry, and giving back to the community under this dedicated leadership team.
November real estate market picked up steam
As 2024 draws to a close, the Fredericksburg regional housing market saw big increases in median price and units sold, while active listings continue to slowly expand. Total sold dollar volume increased a whopping 46% in November, coming in at approximately $244 million compared to $167.4 million last year. Units sold were up over 25% year-over-year, with 359 homes transacted last November compared to 451 this year. Median price sold price increased nearly 6% last month, coming in at $465,000 compared to $439,900 in November of 2023.
Caroline County posted its second highest median price on record, approaching the $400,000 mark. In November of 2024, buyers saw the region’s most affordable housing market soar to $391,500 compared to $354,000 the year before.
“With the federal elections behind us, clients are starting to come back out and are getting ready to make moves starting as soon as the new year begins by starting their searches now,” comments FAAR Board of Directors member Denise Smith. “This month has already been a busy month, but we are in need of more homes in first-time homebuyer range. There just isn’t enough inventory in that category. There is pent-up demand from buyers out there and if we get any slight interest rate reduction, listings will move quickly again.”
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, was up about 7% with homes averaging 31 days on the market this November compared to 29 days last year.
Inventory was up by nearly 16% in November of 2024, but the region is still seeing a seriously constrained supply and remains stubbornly under 1,000 homes on the market. November closed out the month with 943 homes for sale compared to 815 last year. New listings were up nearly 11% with 425 new homes coming on the market this November versus 384 last year. Despite the strong sales activity of closed sales in November, the month closed out nearly 9% down on new pending contracts, with 367 transactions pending compared to 402 last year.
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Press Releases
2025 Local Real Estate Market Starts With Rising Prices Amid Uncertainty
The local real estate market kicked off 2025 with higher prices and total sold volume, but slightly fewer sales and a lot more homes on the market against a backdrop of uncertainty with the potential for major changes in the federal workforce. Total sold dollar...
2024 Housing Market Sees Cautious Buyers and Sellers Amid High Prices and Low Inventory
“The Fredericksburg area real estate market in 2024 was marked by constrained inventory, making it a challenging year for buyers and sellers alike,” comments 2025 FAAR President Lauren Tate. “Buyers faced intense competition, rising interest rates, and affordability...
November real estate market picked up steam
As 2024 draws to a close, the Fredericksburg regional housing market saw big increases in median price and units sold, while active listings continue to slowly expand. Total sold dollar volume increased a whopping 46% in November, coming in at approximately $244...
City of Fredericksburg considers expanding housing affordability
The City of Fredericksburg is hosting a public hearing and potential final vote on the affordable housing project, Jeremiah Community, proposed by Micah Ecumenical Ministries. Micah Ministries is looking to build 100+ affordable units off Fall Hill Avenue and the...