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New Podcast Episode with Donofrio & Associates Certified Inspection Experts
Introducing FAAR Louder, your official Association podcast! These bimonthly sessions will feature elected officials, hot topics, and news you can use. We are working to launch the podcast on your favorite apps but in the meantime, take a listen here.
Episode 25: FAAR Louder | Home Inspections with Donofrio & Associates
Transcript
0:00
Welcome to the FAAR louder podcast presented by the Fredericksburg area Association of Realtors. Hi, everyone. Welcome to the FAAR louder podcast. This is Lauren Zuza. I’m the webmaster and communications director at the Fredericksburg area Association of Realtors. And today we have with us our podcast sponsor for the month Donofrio & Associates. Hi, this is PJ Moore. Welcome PJ.
0:25
Hi, Lauren. Thank you so much for having me on my like Lauren said, my name is PJ Moore, and I’m the growth and marketing coordinator for Donofrio and Associates Property Inspections. Our company is based in Loudoun County, but we serve as DC, Maryland and Virginia. And we’ve been in business since 2001. The thing that I like to let everyone know is that we are veteran female-owned and family-owned. So our integrity means everything to us. And it’s very important for us to have a good name. So that’s always everybody always asked me how long you’ve been in business. So that’s the first thing I usually tell them right. We are a residential, commercial, structural and environmental inspection company. Like I said, we are servicing DC Maryland and Virginia we have numerous inspectors and we are open seven days a week. We do everything except for except for septic and uh well inspections at this moment. And that and those services are radon, mold, air quality, mold screening, lead-based paint inspections, structural inspections, we do Pool and Spa inspection, stucco and drive it and I think I’m forgetting one I did I say radon. Okay, so we are here and we’re available to answer any questions you may have. And we’re a full-service company. That’s fantastic. How many inspectors do you have on staff? Right now we have 12 we’re in the process of hiring a couple more to service the new area that we’re opening up Richmond in Charlottesville.
2:22
Oh, wow. Fantastic. We have lots of members who do business a wide range of localities around here. So having that big of a footprint is great.
2:34
I know. And it was nice at the event last night at the Fred nets game I met quite a few realtors, one of which from Samson properties that has some clients in Charlottesville. So she I think she said she worked in garrison, not garrisonville was the name of the town. Emporia is that. I’m not sure. I’m a Georgia transplant to the area myself. So having visited only a couple maybe three times now. So yeah, getting there getting there for sure.
3:08
That’s great. So when we’re lining up inspections, what are some of the questions realtors should be asking before and during an inspection?
3:17
Well, I think one of the bigger questions for most agents is the soundness of the home. So the structure, the roof, drainage away from the home because water is one of the biggest issues for home as far as repairs and maintenance. And it can cause mold and all of that so and and it can cause woodrat. So we want to try to stay away from that. And that’s one of the biggest things that they think about your hv AC system, the plumbing. I would say the roof, that’s a big thing. And then the water heater, those are things that cost the most to fix and repair. And so it’s important to know the life of that and kind of budget for when you need to replace it. A lot of homeowners want to know that.
4:11
That brings up a very good point. You know, we’re in a hot market. Sometimes people are waiving the inspection contingency. Um, should they still get an inspection immediately when they close? will this help the Home Warranty be valid?
4:24
Absolutely. I think it’s very important and it’s also very important for not only for the home warranty, but it’s also very important. What just lost my thought darnit it’s also very important to know the workings of the home for the homeowner. So you know where your water spigot turnoff is. You know how to light the pilot light on the hot water heater. You know how to change the filters, you know where everything is located. You know what the capacities of everything is, you know, approximately when you may have to replace something thing that’s that’s a big thing for homeowners, especially first time homebuyers, because it’s, it’s one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life. And so if you know right away that you’re going to have to budget to spend $5,000 to replace the HV AC system within the next five years, then you can plan for that.
5:18
Good point, good point. So that’s fantastic. Tell us how a realtor could get in touch with you if they’re looking for more information. Thank
5:25
you very much. So you can reach us via email, by phone. by our website. We also have a URL QR code that we give each individual realtor when they when they schedule with us. So if they ratify a contract late at night, they can go in check the schedule, pick a date and time. And then we will call them the next day to confirm that. So you can reach us seven days a week we are open from 8am to 7pm. And then we also have a backup call center. And I will tell you right now, which is what’s really important is to start your inspection online, you get a $25 discount. And it’s the fastest way It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to schedule an inspection because there’s lots of questions we want to know, you know, the size of the house, the address, you know if it has any outbuildings all of those things and what kind of services you need. And and during the process, agents and clients ask questions. So we’re answering questions as well. We don’t want to rush them off the phone. So it’s best to start it that way. And then we’ve got the basic stuff taken care of. And then all the other stuff can be added. Wow, it doesn’t get any easier. It makes it so easy. Yeah, we try to be a full service company. Like I said, we have three client care coordinators. We’re currently hiring another one. And then we also have the backup call center. So it’s best to leave a message or start your inspection process online. And that’s easy to do on our website, which is www.donofrioinspections.com very easy.
7:10
Well, thank you so much for being here today. PJ. That’s the end of our episode. Fantastic. Thank you.
Looking for financial or renter counseling for your clients? CVHC has you covered!
Technology Committee investigates Broadband Coverage and Developments in Fredericksburg Area
Broadband coverage has become increasingly important for area residents. The FAAR Technology committee has been hard at work interviewing the various jurisdictions on current broadband progress.
There is no simple solution or easy answer to say when areas will have 100% coverage. Maps of coverage areas from broadband companies even when they do exist, cannot be proven to be accurate and 100% broadband coverage is considered almost impossible due to the nature of our terrain in the area. One of our most rural jurisdictions, Orange County, is making tremendous progress towards full county coverage with the Fiberlync partnership for county residents.
Below is the summary of data collected from the jurisdictions.
#MemberMonday Meet Affiliate Dena Cooke
Name
Dena Cooke
Hometown
Fredericksburg VA
Current Location
Fredericksburg, VA
Title
Loan Officer with Embrace Home Loans
Number of Years in the Industry
2 1/2 years
Why do you love working in real estate?
My passion is helping others! I love to assist clients in the entire process of purchasing their new home. Helping to educate them and just support them during what can be such an emotional process. There’s nothing better than seeing the smiles and joy when they get those keys in hand. Especially first time home buyers.
Favorite Work Story
I had a first time home buyer who was told he couldn’t purchase a home and needed to rent at least another year. He called me and after working around a few hurdles we got him approved. Not only did he close on his first home a week ago, he told me that he is the first person in his entire family to own a home and he can now show his kids that if he can do it, they can too! He cried after closing and jumped around with the Sold sign in his new front yard. THE BEST!!!
What are you most proud of in your career?
I haven’t been a loan officer for many years like most, but I am proud of how many clients I have helped in a short period of time and just to see those smiles is the most rewarding for me.
Do you have a special cause or volunteer your time?
Beauty for Ashes is a place I volunteer and donate to on a monthly basis. They provide a safe and stable environment for women with life-controlling problems. It’s a home that offers help, hope and healing to both mother and child. They offer a Christian faith-based curriculum, life skills training, life applications, Church and community involvement lead to mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual wholeness. I have met some of the most amazing women who have completely changed their lives and their children’s future from their time at BFA.
Fun Fact
Before working as a loan officer I worked at our family business, Childress Heating & A/C, Inc. from the time I was in high school until just a few years ago. Our first office was a guest bedroom at the house I grew up in and went from there to now a large recognized business in the area. My Dad’s motto was always customer satisfaction which is why that is such a passion of mine as well. I have been married for 16 years to my husband Miles who still works for the family business and we have two boys, Nathan who is 14 and Ian who is 8.
The Foundation Dues Raffle is back!
GOT DUES???
Want to win your 2022 FAAR Realtors dues?? Enter the Foundation dues raffle!
Head over to the Foundation’s page and click the “donate” button. Make your $20 investment between now and September 15th at 11:00pm and you’ll be entered to win the FULL 2022 REALTOR DUES!!! The more you invest, the more chances you have to win. That’s a $680 value, so buy your tickets today! Winner will be announced after the morning education session on Wednesday, September 15. Thanks for your support of the Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation!
Annual Expo Downsized—No vendor exhibits, but outstanding education remains
The FAAR Board of Directors made the difficult decision to downsize this year’s expo based on the recent COVID-19 surge fueled by the delta variant and its impact on vendor and member participation. FAAR will still hold the stellar education portion of the event virtually.
Attendees who registered for classes and lunch will be issued a partial refund and registered to the zoom education event. Attendees who registered for classes only will be registered for the education portion of the event and given a partial refund. All other attendees will receive a full refund.
Staff will be notifying and issuing refunds to all vendors, as well as those who paid for lunches and headshots.
We plan to make next year’s Expo more spectacular than ever, so we hope that you will join us in 2022.
Thank you for your continued support.
2022 FAAR Board of Directors Candidate Videos – Voting now open!
Voting is now open for the 2022 FAAR Board of Directors
All FAAR REALTORS® are invited to vote at https://vote.electionrunner.com/election/vgz4g
To vote you will use your NRDS Number as your Voter ID and your Voter Key
Review the Sample Ballot-
2021 Election Slate for the 2022 FAAR Board of Directors announced
Get the info on the candidates—Read the candidates’ bios in the August edition of FAARSide.
“Additional candidates for the offices to be filled may be placed in nomination by signed petition of at least twenty percent* of the REALTOR® members. The petition shall be filed with the Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) by August 3, 2921. The Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) shall send notice of such additional nominations to all REALTOR® members before the election.”
(As of 7/12/2021 there are 1809 REALTOR® members. 362 names are needed to complete the petition requirement. Send to FAAR at pbreme@faarmembers.com, no later than August 3, 2021.)
Sample Ballot
Slate of Candidates- 2022 Leadership
Electronic Balloting begins August 17, ends September 15 at noon
FAAR offers electronic voting. The ballot will be sent in an email to each REALTOR® member on August 17. The balloting closes September 15 at noon. The results will be announced at 2:30 pm at a general membership meeting on the floor of the trade show. The results will be communicated to the entire membership soon after this announcement.
President Deb Ellis, Coldwell Banker Elite
President-Elect Carol Sondrini, Coldwell Banker Elite
Vice President Randy Walther, Nest Realty
Secretary Dawn Josemans, Coldwell Banker Elite
Treasurer Lauren Tate, Century 21 Redwood
Immediate Past President Carrie Danko, 1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Directors- Five candidates for three positions. Select up to three..
__ Nick Brown, Weichert, REALTORS®
__ Abby Fitzsimmons, Coldwell Banker Elite
__ Gary Gardiner, Jr., Coldwell Banker Elite
__ Stephanie Michael, Dodson Property Management
__ Matthew Rathbun, Coldwell Banker Elite
(Continuing from the 2021 Board- Clay Murray, Pathway Realty, Pia Contreas Sanchez, Prime Realty, Kardin Lillis, Weichert, REALTORS®)
Three candidates for 1 affiliate position. Select one.
__ Richard Bibb, Goosehead Insurance
__ Michele Freemyers, Ekko Title
__ Laura Pate Rodier, The Title Professionals
Candidate Videos
Local Real Estate Market Appears to be Normalizing
The frenetic real estate market of the last 14 months seems to show signs of slowing down just a bit. “Maybe it was the hazy, hot and humid days or the influx of sellers hoping to capture the “hot” market, or maybe it was buyers who decided this sellers’ market wasn’t for them. Whatever it was, things are seeming to slow down a bit and start to balance,” states 2021 FAAR President Carrie Danko. “I am seeing homes on the market for longer periods of time, prices more consistent with market value, and a decrease in multiple offers.”
While July posted very robust market numbers, there are continuing signs that the pace of business may be cooling. Sold dollar volume was up nearly 18%, coming in approximately $377.8 million in July of 2021 compared to $320.4 million last year. The increase was fueled by a nearly 12% jump in median price going from $349,000 in July of 2020 up $51,000 to $390,000 in July of this year. There was also a nearly 7% year-over-year increase in units sold with 907 properties changing hands in July compared to 849 last 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, fell 63% with houses averaging just 11 days on the market in July 2021 compared to 30 days in July 2020.
For the first time in 2 years, the local real estate market has more homes for sale in a given month than the previous year. July of 2021 saw about 3% more homes for sale than the previous year, but we’re still talking about historically very low inventory. There were 740 homes for sale in July of 2020 and there are now 764 homes for sale. The last time we saw more homes in July than the previous year was 2019, when inventory was 0.1% higher than the previous year and there were 1,749 homes for sale. Since January of 2020, the market has experienced double digit year-over-year declines in active listings. While up for July of 2021, active listings are still significantly lower than the 5-year average of 1,337 homes on the market.
There is more good news in new listings, with July yet again beating the 5-year average of properties coming onto the market, with a nearly 20% increase from last July. In 2020, 854 new properties came onto to the market compared to the 5-year average of 909 and the July 2021 number of 1,020. New pending contracts, which indicates the pace of transactions, is holding steady at a modest year-over-year increase at 4%, with 883 new homes under contract. The market over the last year regularly saw double digit increases in new pendings with some months posting 30% or 40% increases.
Many Realtors® are celebrating the cooling market as a needed step towards more predictability in the process and more buyers being able to find a home that suits their needs. The super-charged competition and multiple offer situations of the market in recent months turned many buyers off and made it very difficult for moderate- and lower-income buyers to take advantage of the generational wealth creation benefits of homeownership. “It will be interesting to see what happens in the months to come but one thing is for sure…it’s still a great time to sell and a great time to buy with the still historically low interest rates,” concludes Danko.
Read the FAARside newsletter for real estate updates and more!
Your copy of the August Newsletter, the FAARside is here! Crack open a copy for updates on local real estate and so much more!
Inside you will find
- Farewell message from retiring CEO, Pat Breme
- 2022 Leadership candidate bios
- Message from the 2021 FAAR President, Carrie Danko
- Thank you to RPAC investors
- An update on short term rentals in Spotsylvania County
- Information on the revamped Professional Honor Role application
and more!
Right click here or the image and click “Save as” to download
2021 REALTOR Cereal Drive — Connect with past clients, friends, and the community
Go coo-coo for cereal collection!
2020 was an unprecedented year for cereal collection. Let’s keep the cereal flowing in an effort to reach 18,000 boxes in 2021, all of which go to the local area food banks!
Use the cereal drive as a touchpoint.
The cereal drive is a fantastic way to reconnect with your sphere— Look for REALTOR®-branded marketing pieces here or at the FAAR office(post-card and flyer) to enhance efforts of collecting cereal from clients and friends.
Tell us if you’re participating.
Let us know if your office plans to participate by filling out the form below or emailing Barbara Castillo with your office and contact information by September 26th.
Final cereal counts will be announced at 10/28 mixer.
Collected cereal can be dropped off at the October 28th Halloween Mixer at Wilderness Run Winery from 5-7 PM or for large pick-ups, the Fredericksburg food van can be scheduled to pick up from your location. Please email Barbara bcastillo@faarmembers.com with your final box tally sometime before the 10/28 Halloween Mixer where we will announce the winners. Scroll down to see who participated in last year’s cereal drive!
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Cereal Drive Office Contest Sign Up
Yes.. I want my office to participate in the annual FAAR Cereal Drive.
Download the square graphic for sharing here!
Key items to remember:
October 1-28- Collect cereal! Let Barbara Castillo (bcastillo@faarmembers.com) know if you need postcards.
October 26- If you have more that 250 boxes, just let Barbara know and she will arrange pick up.
October 27- if you had your cereal picked up — PLEASE CONTACT BARBARA WITH BOX COUNT
October 28- Drop off cereal (less than 250 boxes) to the FAAR Halloween Mixer at Wilderness Run Winery. Cereal can be dropped between 4-7 PM
October 28th, 7:15 PM Winners and totals announced!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and please post lots of fun pics and video on your cereal gathering and displays of cereal on social media to get all FAAR members excited about this very worthwhile cause!
2020 Participants
Affiliate collecting the most boxes – 4-way tie!
Tim Liddy with Charden – 200 boxes
Donna Schmidt with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty – 200 boxes
Tony Bolding with Alcova Mortgage – 200 boxes
Katie Williams – First American Home Warranty – 200 boxes
Most Cereal Per Agent
1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 10,118 boxes total
Most Improved
Long and Foster – from 3,361 boxes in 2019 to 7,256 boxes in 2020
Runner-ups Most Cereal
Century 21 New Millennium – from 2,772 boxes in 2019 to 3,699 boxes in 2020
Weichert Realtors – from 527 boxes in 2019 to 3,303 boxes in 2020
United Real Estate Premier – from 806 boxes in 2019 to 1,554 boxes in 2020
Honorable Mention
Hometown Realty – first time participating and collected 325 boxes!
Grand Prize
1st Choice Better Homes and Land – 10,118 boxes!
Thank you also to these cereal collectors!
CTI Real Estate
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Century 21 Redwood
Universal Title
Coldwell Banker Elite King George/Colonial Beach
Topside Federal Credit Union
Regarday
Press Releases
Fredericksburg-area Real Estate Market Wraps Up a Sizzling Year
“In a year of uncertainty, one thing was certain: the housing market was hot,” states 2021 FAAR President Carrie Danko. “In March, as widespread local shutdowns and quarantines were implemented to curb the pandemic, it seemed that the housing industry should prepare...
How hot can the local real estate market get?
Potential buyers in the Fredericksburg-area housing market are asking themselves, how high can it go? The market posted another sizzling month with dramatic increases in total sold dollar volume and units sold coupled with plummeting days on market. Sold dollar...
FAAR Installs 2021 Leadership Team
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) installed its 2021 Leadership Team in a virtual ceremony on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Despite the year’s many challenges, the Association under 2020 President Drew Fristoe remained committed to serving the...
FAAR debuts NEW monthly housing report
FAAR has a new monthly report provided through the Virginia Realtors® that is chock full of detailed information about the local market. Use this data for your listing presentations, communication with your sphere and for your social media posts.