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Sample Ballot for the 2026 FAAR Board of Directors Slate of Candidates and Candidate Campaign Videos
Slate of Candidates- 2026 Leadership
Electronic Voting begins August 1 at 10 AM and ends September 10 at 9:15 AM
Results will be announced on September 10th at the General Membership Meeting at the FAAR Expo (https://www.faarmembers.com/expo). The results will be communicated to the entire membership September 12.
Here are the candidates for your 2026 Board of Directors:
Officers
| President | Matthew Rathbun |
| President-Elect | Gary Gardiner, Jr. |
| Vice President | Tamar Myers Moffatt |
| Secretary | Michelle Caldwell Thompson |
| Treasurer | Denise Smith |
| Immediate Past President | Lauren Smith |
REALTOR® Director Candidates: Three (3) positions open. You may select up to three (3) on this ballot.
Denise Benedetto
Angela Carter
Nate Ferguson
Allison Graves
Sheronica Thompson
Anna Torres
Affiliate Director Candidate: One (1) position open. You may select one (1) on this ballot.
Selina Bryant
Scott Hine
Javier Sanchez
Returning Directors
Heather Ferris
Jennifer Caison
Rachel Flynn
From Section 8a. of the Bylaws
“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 (via Chief Executive Officer pbrowning@faarmembers.com) by August 26, 2025. The Secretary shall send notice of such additional nominations to all REALTOR® members before the election.”
*(As of 7/23/2025 there are 1653 REALTOR® members. 330 names are needed to complete the petition requirement)
REALTOR® Members can log in to vote from 8/1 to 9:15 AM on 9/10 at https://vote.electionrunner.com/election/226Jc
Your voter ID is your M1(NRDS) number.
Your voter key is your M1(NRDS) number.
Candidate Campaign Videos
Regional home prices tick up again
The regional median home price was up again in June, with all but two localities in the FAAR footprint seeing increases. The median sold price settled at $480,000 this month compared to $474,093 in June of 2024, representing a 1% year-over-year increase. Units sold remained basically flat in the FAAR footprint with 539 homes selling this June compared to 537 last year. Total sold dollar volume was up over 4%, posting approximately $283 million in sales for June of 2025 compared to $271.4 million in sales 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, increased 20% up to 24 days this June compared to 20 days last year.
Inventory was up again, finishing out the month with 1,190 active listings compared to 877 last year, a nearly 36% increase. New listings were up 4% from last year with 631 homes coming on the market in June of 2024 compared to 659 this year. New pending sales were up nearly 4% in the last month, with 562 pending contracts compared to 542 last June.
“June was a strong month for me,” comments FAAR Board of Director Heather Ferris. “My listings have been moving quickly, often receiving multiple offers within days when priced appropriately. Buyers in my market are motivated and prepared to compete, especially for well-presented and accurately priced homes. I’m finding that transactions are closing smoothly, which reflects the overall readiness and seriousness of both buyers and sellers. The key continues to be smart pricing. Homes that are listed too high are sitting, while those aligned with market value are generating fast interest. Inventory remains tight, but when the right home hits, demand is definitely there.”
FAAR launches Financial Literacy Program for local students
In a groundbreaking initiative to foster economic empowerment, the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) participated in a comprehensive Financial Literacy Program called Ignite Others aimed at equipping young people with essential money management skills. This program, originally created by the National Association of Realtors®, provides free educational resources and workshops to local schools to help students make informed financial decisions and build a stable future.
“With the rising cost of living and increasing costs for both rental and purchase housing, financial literacy is more important than ever,” said Nate Ferguson, a local Realtor® and Chair of FAAR’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. “Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve long-term financial well-being.”
Ignite Others covers key topics including budgeting, saving, understanding the importance of credit scores, and planning for future living expenses. The program hosted workshops in three different facilities including The Oberle Academy, the Phoenix Center, and Massaponax High School, serving over 75 students in total.
The goal of the program is to be engaging and informative for local students. Instructors are all active members of FAAR as either real estate licensees or affiliated business members. Instructors share their personal stories demonstrating real world careers in the real estate industry. FAAR members continue to outreach to more schools to set up workshops once classes resume in the fall. Reach out to pbrowning@faarmembers.com if you’d like more information about Ignite Others or to schedule a workshop for your classroom.
FAAR Submits 2026 Legislative Proposals
The Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) Public Policy Committee, with approval of the FAAR Board of Directors, has submitted two important legislative issues to the Virginia Realtors® for potential inclusion in the 2026 statewide Realtor® agenda. The state association will review all submitted legislative requests from across the state at a meeting of their Public Policy Committee in late July. Accepted issues will be included in the 2026 Statewide Legislative Package that is submitted to the General Assembly. Click the button below to read FAAR’s submissions.
Local real estate market sends mixed signals in May
The local real estate market in May continued to post higher rates of inventory than in the past, but also posted the highest median price ever on record. May saw the month close out with a chart-topping median price of $489,900 compared to $474,000 a year ago, a more than 3% increase. Those stubborn high prices didn’t deter buyers as units sold increased nearly 3% from last May with 577 homes sold in 2024 compared to 591 homes in 2025. Robust sales coupled with high prices led to a nearly 8% increase in total sold dollar volume, besting last year’s approximately $292.4 million with $313.8 million in sales for this May.
Stafford County led the pack again in May of 2025, posting the county’s highest median price on record of $579,000, a 5% year-over-year increase from 2024. Stafford County has seen its median price jump over $200,000 in just 6 years. Median price in May of 2019 was just $350,000.
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 24% going from 21 days last May to 26 days this year.
Active listings exceeded 1,000 homes again this month, only the second time since 2020 that the market has seen two consecutive months of 1,000 homes or more on the market. At the end of May 2025, there were 1,143 homes actively listed on the MLS, a more than 40% increase from the 814 homes that were for sale at the end of last May. New listings coming onto the market were also fairly robust with 727 newly listed homes available, up nearly 20% from last May. New pendings fell by 5% compared to last year with 583 homes under contract this May compared to 614 last year.
FAAR Board of Director Randy Walther comments, “May finally saw the beginning of spring in the Fredericksburg area. Along with better weather, the housing market continued to be strong. While prices have leveled off, they have not retreated to a lower level. However, days on market have increased somewhat and sellers seem to be entering the market with a realistic idea of value. Buyers are finding better loan rates are allowing them to put forth more competitive offers. Our inventory has increased but still has areas that are short of reaching demand. The summer should show the market staying relatively stable.”
FAAR members meet with U.S. Congressman Eugene Vindman to talk housing
FAAR members and Congressman Vidnman discussed:
• Private property rights;
• Building housing supply and opportunity for all;
• Support for self-employed professionals;
• How NAR research products show the impact of real estate on the economy and the vital role it plays for consumers;
• and the importance of property ownership in building safe, resilient communities.
NAR, and state and local associations organized the meetings on Capitol Hill as a part of their advocacy efforts on behalf of the real estate industry.
Apply for the 2026 FAAR Board of Directors
Step Up. Lead Forward. Make an Impact.
FAAR is now accepting applications for the 2026 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 perspective matters. Your voice helps shape the programs, policies, and advocacy that empower agents to succeed.
Nominations are open through July 5th.
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 Descriptions
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 Tuesday, July 22.
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.
Prices continue to rise amid expanding inventory and fewer sales
The local real estate market continued to see rising prices against a backdrop of expanding inventory and fewer sales than a year ago. The median price for April increased nearly 3%, going from $450,000 last April to $462,000 this year. While prices continued to climb, pace of sales slowed compared to last year. There were 479 homes transacted this April compared to 522 last year, representing an 8% year-over-year decrease from April of 2024. That decline in sales led to a decrease of nearly 5% in total sold dollar volume, posting approximately $244.4 million in sales activity this year compared to $256.7 million last April.
“April 2025 proved positive for sellers with median home prices higher by percentage,” comments FAAR Board of Directors member Gary Gardiner. “Buyers have had a more challenging start to the year with inventory remaining low.”
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 4% going from 26 days last April to 25 days this year.
Active listings broke 1,000 homes on the market for the first time since October of 2022 offering some optimism for buyers in the market who have persistently struggled with low inventory and strong competition. There were 1,012 active listings on the market at the end of April compared to just 791 last year. New listings also increased by about 5% with 678 homes coming on the market in April, about 30 more than last year. New pendings posted strong activity and were up nearly 5% with 636 homes under contract at the end of the month compared to 608 last year.
“We’ve seen a continued sellers’ market through the first quarter and into the second quarter of 2025. Sellers have seen increased days on market in some cases, but a nice return on their investment at settlement. Buyers find challenges through mortgage interest rates remaining higher in the mid-6% range, which is impacting affordability. Real estate professionals representing both sellers and buyers remain optimistic for a positive future in our local housing market with stability in home pricing, reduction in mortgage interest rates, and increased inventory of homes in the marketplace.”
FAAR Celebrates Success and Excellence in Real Estate
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) hosted its annual Awards Banquet on April 16, 2025, at Dominion Raceway in Spotsylvania County. This event brings together industry leaders to honor the personal and professional achievements of its members. The event highlighted the dedication, hard work, and community impact of FAAR’s real estate professionals over the past year.
The highlight of the event was the awards presentation, co-hosted by 2025 President Lauren Smith of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. and Past President Carol Sondrini of Keller Williams Capital Properties, where numerous professionals were recognized across various categories.
FAAR would like to extend a sincere thank you to all sponsors who contributed to making the event a memorable occasion. Their continued support plays a crucial role in the association’s ongoing success and community involvement.
If you would like to catch a glimpse of the moments from the event, please visit FAAR’s Facebook page at facebook.com/faarmembers where pictures will be posted soon.
FAAR would like to congratulate the following Award winners.
Icon Award
Anne Overington
Lando Massey Real Estate
Awarded to a REALTOR® who has made a significant contribution to the real estate profession in the locality where they work.
REALTOR® of the Year
Tamar Myers-Moffatt
Samson Companies LLC
Recognizes a member who has given exemplary service to FAAR, the Virginia Realtors®, the National Association of REALTORS®, and the local community.
Affiliate of the Year
Michael Cornwell
Patriot Septic & Waterworks
Awarded to an Affiliate member of FAAR who has provided exceptional service to FAAR, its members, and the general public.
Rookie of the Year
James Anderson
Burrell and Associates Realty
Recognizes an agent based on their first 15 months on the job from the date of licensure for motivation, knowledge, integrity, sales activity, and participation in FAAR and the community.
Manager of the Year
Gary Gardiner, Jr.
Coldwell Banker Elite
Awarded to a broker who is committed to agent education, REALTOR® achievements, business and civic accomplishments, and innovative management practices.
Good Neighbor Award
Nathaniel (Nate) Ferguson
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
Honors a FAAR member who gives significant contributions of time or other resources to the local community.
Spirit Award
Allison Graves
Coldwell Banker Elite
Recognizes a member who motivates others through enthusiasm for FAAR events.
REALTORS® Choice Award
Greg Williams
Innovate Real Estate
Honors an agent who makes transactions a seamless process.
Melanie Thompson Award
Tamar Myers-Moffatt
Samson Companies LLC
Recognizes leadership displayed by a REALTOR® who is making a difference to young professionals as a member of FAAR and a member of their community.
Faces of FAAR Travel Scholarship
Sheronica Thompson
Coldwell Banker Elite
Recognizes the diversity and inclusion of our membership.
Young Professionals Network Travel Scholarship
Brooke Sumners
EXP Realty
Supports future FAAR leaders through cultivating consistent agent investment in all levels of the Association.
Silver Circle Award
This award is given to those Realtor® members with 25 years of continuous membership in FAAR.
| Carla Criscuolo Coldwell Banker Elite |
Kimberly Overton Fathom Realty |
| Cynthia Hughes Johnson & Glazebrook |
Boyd Smith RE/MAX Commonwealth |
| Joyce Kerns Samson Companies LLC |
Tonya Szakelyhidi Lorac Property Management |
| C. Lynn Lenahan 1st Choice Better Homes & Land |
Sha Williams-Hinnant 1st Choice Better Homes & Land |
Professional Honor Roll
These members have made contributions to the real estate industry, FAAR, and the community.
| Amy Adams Innovate Real Estate |
C. Lynn Lenahan 1st Choice Better Homes & Land |
| James Anderson Burrell and Associates Realty |
Robin Marine Coldwell Banker Elite |
| Suzanne Brady NextHome Blue Heron Realty Group |
Brooke Miller Long & Foster Real Estate |
| Jennifer Burton Century 21 Redwood |
Tamar Myers-Moffatt Samson Companies LLC |
| Jennifer Caison Coldwell Banker Elite |
Carol Sondrini Keller Williams Capital Properties |
| Karen Carpenter Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty |
Melissa Stewart Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty |
| Drew Fristoe Coldwell Banker Elite |
Lauren “LT” Smith Long & Foster Real Estate |
| Gary Gardiner, Jr. Coldwell Banker Elite |
Anna Torres Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty |
| Amal Hall Samson Properties |
Randy Walther River Fox Realty |
| DeAnna Hamn 1st Choice Better Homes & Land |
Sha Williams-Hinnant 1st Choice Better Homes & Land |
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About the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS®
Founded in 1957, the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) is the trade association for more than 1,700 Realtor® and affiliate members serving the City of Fredericksburg, the Counties of Caroline, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, along with the Colonial Beach area of Westmoreland County. Members also work in the surrounding counties of Westmoreland, Louisa, and Prince William and in Northern Virginia. For more information about FAAR, visit www.faarmembers.com or contact Kim McClellan, Public Policy Director at kmcclellan@faarmembers.com or 540-373-7711.
Welcome Michelle Caldwell Thompson to the FAAR Board of Directors
The Board of Directors elected Michelle Caldwell Thompson to serve as a Director when another Director needed to step down from the position. Michelle is the broker/owner of CTI Real Estate.
Michelle brings a wide breadth of expertise including significant volunteer and community activism to the Board. Welcome, Michelle!
Press Releases
FAAR Endorses Candidates for Public Office
The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) announces endorsements for local Board of Supervisors and City Council races on the ballot for the November 4th general election. The endorsed candidates represent areas throughout FAAR’s service territory...
Area median home price sets record in July
The regional median home price was up again in July, despite anecdotal information from area Realtors® that they are seeing a slower pace of sales. The median home price for July came in at a record setting $490,000, up 3% year-over-year compared to $473,740 last...
Regional home prices tick up again
The regional median home price was up again in June, with all but two localities in the FAAR footprint seeing increases. The median sold price settled at $480,000 this month compared to $474,093 in June of 2024, representing a 1% year-over-year increase. Units sold...
FAAR launches Financial Literacy Program for local students
In a groundbreaking initiative to foster economic empowerment, the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® (FAAR) participated in a comprehensive Financial Literacy Program called Ignite Others aimed at equipping young people with essential money management...