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NAR Seeking REALTORS® Who Give Back for Good Neighbor Awards
Five winners will receive $10,000 for their nonprofit
The National Association of REALTORS® seeks nominations for the 20th annual Good Neighbor Awards, which recognizes REALTORS® who’ve made an extraordinary impact on their communities through volunteer work.
Five winners will be announced in the November/December issue of REALTOR® magazine and at the 2019 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Francisco. The winners will receive a $10,000 grant for their community cause, national publicity, and travel expenses to the convention where they will be honored.
“This year, we celebrate the twentieth year of the Good Neighbor Awards,” said NAR President John Smaby, a second-generation REALTOR® from Edina, Minnesota and broker at Edina Realty. “We are incredibly proud of the good work of nearly 200 Good Neighbor Award recipients in the U.S. and across the globe through their dedicated volunteer service since this program launched in 2000.”
The 2018 winners were Omayra Borges, Reality Realty, San Juan, Puerto Rico, cofounder of Fundacion Mochileando 100×35; Chet Choman, Colorado Realty and Land Co., Alamosa, Colorado., cofounder of La Puente Home; Jeremy Lichtenstein, RE/MAX Realty Services, Bethesda, Maryland., founder of Kids In Need Distributors (KIND); Joy Nelson, Haugan Nelson Realty, Watertown, South Dakota, founder of Joy Ranch; and Elias Thomas, III, EXIT Key Real Estate, Shapleigh, Maine, leader of a Rotary International project to build dams in rural India.
Previous Good Neighbor Award winners say their charity benefits from the grant money and the increased public exposure. “The Good Neighbor Award legitimized Heart 2 Home and put a national focus on what we were doing locally,” said 2009 Good Neighbor Award winner Greg Adamson. “Having Good Neighbor behind us made everything easier from fundraising to media relations. It’s amazing how the exposure of the Good Neighbor Award has opened doors for us that never would have been opened otherwise!”
2018 Good Neighbor Award winner Joy Nelson says that her charity continues to benefit from the media exposure that resulted from winning the Good Neighbor Award. “The incredible exposure the Joy Ranch received through the Good Neighbor Awards Program has brought people all over the nation to inquire more about the ranch,” says Nelson. “People now understand all the quality of life issues that we address and it motivates me to work harder to help even more.”
The Good Neighbor Awards are generously supported by primary sponsor realtor.com and Wells Fargo Home Lending.
Good Neighbor Award entries must be received by May 10, 2019. For more details and an entry form, go to nar.realtor/gna or call 800-874-6500.
Recognize a REALTOR®
Click here for the entry form and more details

How does access to broadband impact your business?

We’ve heard that broadband is becoming increasingly important to today’s buyers and a lack of access can greatly impact transactions and a property’s marketability. Some of our local jurisdictions are trying to move the needle on this issue. We want to get a better understand of what you are facing so we can best represent our members when talking to elected officials about this issue. Take a moment and fill out the form below with your thoughts and experiences with broadband access.
Ever lost a sale? Had to lower a price just because of the lack of high speed Internet? We want to know!
Broadband Feedback
Just how important is broadband to your clients and your business? Access to high speed Internet seems more and more important to today's buyers, we want to hear how access to this vital utility is impacting our local real estate market.
- Go ahead and share your story, we want to know!
Congratulations to Alicia Colletti for Achieving the GRI Designation!

FAAR would like to recognize Alicia Colletti with United Real Estate Premier for achieving her Graduate, REALTOR® Institute Designation (GRI). Of the many designations offered by the National Association of REALTORS®, GRI is the most comprehensive, providing a broad scope of course material and depth of training full of real-life examples. Designees must complete 60 hours of classroom instruction that covers legal and regulatory issues, technology, professional standards, and the sales process. The GRI designation is the most well-known designation among those who hold any designations, held by 9% of REALTORS. In Virginia, GRI’s represent over 13% of the REALTOR® population. Earning the GRI is an intensive, in-person experience that gives REALTORS® the information and tools necessary to take their real estate practice to new heights.
As a Graduate of the REALTOR Institute, your commitment to furthering your knowledge of this ever-changing industry is a testimony to your dedication to helping consumers achieve the American Dream…owning their own home.
March Sees Increasing Sales, Decreasing Prices
The start of spring usually ushers in the high season for the local real estate market. March numbers did not disappoint, providing a strong foundation for the market that will hopefully continue into April and beyond. “The spring market is in full swing,” states FAAR 2019 President Drew Fristoe. “Sellers are starting to get their homes on the market,” continues Fristoe. “Lower interest rates are giving some buyers the push to start looking.”
Total sold dollar volume increased 5.6%, settling at approximately $157.3 million in March of this year, compared to $149 million in March of 2018. Unit sold increased over 5%, going from 474 last March to just shy of 500 units in March of this year. Median price saw a 3% year-over-year decrease, declining from $299,500 in March of 2018 to $290,000 in March of 2019.
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 3% with houses averaging 86 days on the market in March of 2019 compared to 83 days in March of 2018.
Increasing inventory continues to be a trend in the local market. Active listings were up nearly 12% from last year, going from 1,310 available properties in March of 2018 to 1,464 in March of this year. In addition, there were 40% more homes under contract at the close of the month than compared to last year. In March of 2018, there were 357 pending contracts throughout the Fredericksburg market. In March of 2019, that number increased to 500 pending contracts. Those transactions that reach a successful settlement will likely close in April and May, providing a continued foundation for a strong spring real estate market.

FAAR Holds Annual Awards Event

The Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS® (FAAR) held its annual Awards Gala on April 10, 2019 at the Fredericksburg Country Club. Approximately 130 members were in attendance for the festivities, which included an awards ceremony and fundraiser.
Proceeds from the fundraiser benefited the Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation, whose efforts go to support local non-profit organizations that help individuals and families secure and retain shelter. Thanks to donations from FAAR’s REALTOR® and affiliate members, the Foundation was able to raise over $1,200.
In addition to the Foundation fundraiser, awards were handed out for Rookie Salesperson of the Year, Manager of the Year, REALTORS® Choice, REALTOR® of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Melanie Thompson Award. In addition, 25 members were recognized for achieving the Professional Honor Role for 2018. The Professional Honor Role spotlights members who have made contributions to the real estate industry, the Association, and the community.
The following individuals received awards for 2018:
Realtors® Choice: Pam Downing, Coldwell Banker Elite
Rookie Salesperson of the Year: DeAnna Hamn, 1st Choice Better Homes and Land
Melanie Thompson Award: Carol Sondrini, Coldwell Banker Elite
Educator of the Year: Kevin McGrath, Long and Foster Real Estate
Manager of the Year: Deb Ellis, Coldwell Banker Elite
Realtor® of the Year: Kevin McGrath, Long and Foster Real Estate
Professional Honor Role
Sabrina Anderson
Exit Realty Group
Tricia Barnes, ABR, GRI, CRB, ABRM
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
LeAnn Black
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Marla Aste
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Suzanne Brady, ABR, SRS
United Real Estate Premier
Jennifer Caison
Coldwell Banker Elite
Valerie Dellandre
Virginia CU Realty
Linda Dort, ABR, CRS, GREEN
Century 21 New Millennium
Linda Fosdick, ABR, GRI, CRS, SRS
Dockside Realty
Janet Holt
Holt for Homes
Pam Kuper
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Linda Laub-Canty, ABR, GRI, CRS, SRES
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Cindy LeBrun, ABR, CRS, SRS, SRES
Exit Realty Group
Lynn Lenahan, ABR, GRI
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Erin Lewis
Nest Realty Group
Brooke Miller, GRI, CRS
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Laura Monaghan, SRS
Green Tree Realty
Mary Beth Rich, ABR
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Anthony “Tony” Shade, ABR
RE/MAX Allegiance
Sharon Shade, ABR, ABRM
RE/MAX Allegiance
Sarah Stelmok, GRI, SRES
Nest Realty Group
Chip Taylor
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Penny Traber, ABR, GRI, CRS, SRS
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Ginny Vickers, ABR, SRS
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Sha Williams- Hinnant, ABR, CRS, GRI, CIPS, PMN, SRES
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
FAAR Public Policy Director, Kim McClellan, Receives Prestigious RCE Designation from NAR
Kim McClellan, Public Policy Director of the Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS®, is being honored by the National Association of REALTORS® with the REALTOR® Certified Executive (RCE) designation, which recognizes exceptional efforts made by REALTOR® association executives and professional staff. McClellan is one of over 500 REALTOR® association executives and professional staff who have achieved this mark of excellence.
Prior to becoming a candidate for the RCE designation, applicants must document their association management and academic experiences. Once they have completed this first step, eligible candidates must successfully complete a multiple-choice exam, which is based on a comprehensive understanding of association operations and management practices. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of areas critical to REALTOR® association management including association law, governance, and issues related to member services. To retain the designation, RCEs must be re-certified every four years

Did Someone Say BINGO?!
On February 11th, over 65 FAAR Members came out to the FAAR Academy classroom for a night of fun and in support of the Fredericksburg REALTORS® Foundation. Donna Schmidt added to the fun of the evening entertaining the full house with her BINGO calling skills. The $2,017 in proceeds from the event will be used by the Foundation for housing related charities in the local area. The lucky winner of the Fredericksburg REALTORS ® Foundation 50/50 raffle was Tracey Bilodeau of Berkshire Hathaway Select Realty.
How Do You Recognize Housing Discrimination?

Under the Fair Housing Act, It is Against the Law to:
- Refuse to rent to you or sell you housing
- Tell you housing is unavailable when in fact it is available
- Show you apartments or homes only in certain neighborhoods
- Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
- Provide different housing services or facilities
- Advertise housing to preferred groups of people only
- Refuse to provide you with information regarding mortgage loans, deny you a mortgage loan, or impose different terms or conditions on a mortgage loan
- Deny you property insurance
- Conduct property appraisals in a discriminatory manner
- Refuse to make reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability if the accommodation may be necessary to afford such person a reasonable and equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling
- Fail to design and construct housing in an accessible manner
- Harass, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising or assisting someone else with his/her fair housing rights
If You Believe Your Rights Have Been Violated. . .
Call the State of Virginia Council on Human rights at 804.225.2292

Realtors® Respond as Federal Court Strikes Down AHP Expansion
WASHINGTON (March 29, 2019) – NAR President John Smaby issued the following statement after District Court of Columbia Judge John Bates struck down a Department of Labor attempt to expand association health plans earlier this week.
“As independent contractors, Realtors® have long struggled to find and secure affordable health insurance options,” said Smaby, a second-generation Realtor® from Edina, Minnesota. This is why NAR strongly supports the U.S. Department of Labor’s final rule expanding access to Association Health Plans.
“This rule has been successful and is growing in many states, providing high quality, lower cost coverage alternatives to many of NAR’s 1.3 million members and their families.
“We are extremely disappointed in this week’s District Court decision, which threatens the progress Realtor® Associations have made in offering much needed health insurance solutions. NAR is reviewing this ruling to determine its potential nationwide impact and we vow to continue to fight for more affordable, quality health insurance options for our members.”
The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Join the ranks of FAAR Professional Honor “Role” Achievers
PHR and what it means
You could be eligible for Professional Honor Role and not even know it! Professional Honor Role was presented for the first time in 2008 to recognize the achievements of Realtor® recipients. The Honor “Role” award spotlights members who have made contributions to the real estate industry, FAAR, and the community. Points are assigned to 6 categories – Association Activities, Networking Events, Educational Activities, VAR & NAR Designations and Councils, Service/Civic Activity and real estate Production. Applications are due annually in February.
What are you waiting for? Get started today at faarmembers.com/awards!
Benefits of FAAR Professional Honor Role
All recipients are featured in The FREE Lance Star ad and in the Real Estate Showcase.
All recipients receive a certificate or a trophy ($25 fee)—Recipient’s choice.
The names of all the recipients will be added to a plaque displayed in the FAAR office.
The names of all the recipients are listed at the faarmember.com website.
All recipients receive an electronic logo of the Professional Honor Role to use in marketing.
2020 Professional Honor Role Recipients
Tricia Barnes
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
DeAnna Hamn
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Carrie Danko”
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Penny Traber
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Ginny Vickers
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Lynn Lenahan
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Sha Williams Hinnant
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Bethany Pannell
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Corrine Macon
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Linda Williams
Century 21 New Millennium
Linda Dort
C21 New Millennium
Valerie Dellandre
C21 New Millennium
Tony Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Sharon Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Drew Fristoe
Coldwell Banker Elite
Jennifer Caison
Coldwell Banker Elite
Chip Taylor
Long & Foster, Inc.
2019 Professional Honor Role Recipients
Sabrina Anderson
Exit Realty Group
Marla Aste,
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Tricia Barnes
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
LeAnn Black
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Suzanne Brady
United Real Estate Premier
Jennifer Caison, ABR
Coldwell Banker Elite- Massaponax
Jennifer Church, ABR, SRS
Holt for Homes
Valerie Dellandre
Virginia CU Realty
Linda Dort
Century 21 New Millennium
Drew Fristoe,
Coldwell Banker Elite- Massaponax
Janet Holt
Holt for Homes
Linda Laub-Canty
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Cindy LeBrun
Exit Realty Group
Lynn Lenahan
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Brooke Miller
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Laura Monaghan
eXp Realty
Bonnie Ramey
Nest Realty
Mary Beth Rich
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Anthony “Tony” Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Sharon Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Carol Sondrini
Coldwell Banker Elite- King George
Chip Taylor
Long & Foster, Inc.
Penny Traber
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Ginny Vickers
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Randy Walther
Nest Realty
Sha Williams- Hinnant
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
2018 Professional Honor Role Recipients
Sabrina Anderson
Exit Realty Group
Tricia Barnes
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
LeAnn Black
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Marla Aste
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Suzanne Brady
United Real Estate Premier
Valerie Dellandre
Virginia CU Realty
Linda Dort
Century 21 New Millennium
Linda Fosdick
Dockside Realty
Janet Holt
Holt for Homes
Pam Kuper
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Linda Laub-Canty
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Cindy LeBrun
Exit Realty Group
Lynn Lenahan
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Brooke Miller
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Laura Monaghan
Green Tree Realty
Mary Beth Rich
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Anthony “Tony” Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Sharon Shade
RE/MAX Allegiance
Sarah Stelmok
Nest Realty Group
Chip Taylor
Long & Foster, Inc.
Penny Traber
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Ginny Vickers
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Sha Williams- Hinnant
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
2017 Professional Honor Role Recipients
Tricia Barnes, ABR, GRI, CRB
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Lisa Berry, ABR
Nest Realty Group
Suzanne Brady, ABR, CRB
Century 21 Redwood Realty
Jennifer Caison, ABR
Coldwell Banker Elite- Massaponax
Jennifer Church, ABR, SRS
Holt for Homes
Valerie Dellandre, ABR
Long & Foster, Inc. – Fredericksburg
Linda Dort, ABR, GREEN, SRES
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Drew Fristoe, ABR, e-PRO
Coldwell Banker Elite- Massaponax
Linda Fosdick, CRS, GRI, ABR
Dockside Realty
Janet Holt
Holt for Homes
Natalie Holt
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Debbie Klingensmith
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Linda Laub-Canty, ABR, GRI, CRS
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Cindy LeBrun, ABR, CRS
Coldwell Banker Elite- Massaponax
Lynn Lenahan, ABR, GRI
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Erin Lewis
Nest Realty Group
Andrea Maitland, CRB, CRS
Century 21 Redwood- Spotsylvania
Brooke Miller, GRI
Long & Foster, Inc.- Fred.
Sandy Pearce, ABR, SRES, PMN
Coldwell Banker Elite- Spots.
Mary Beth Rich, ABR
Century 21 New Millennium- Fredericksburg
Melissa Rose
Nest Realty Group
Anthony “Tony” Shade, ABR
RE/MAX Allegiance
Sharon Shade, ABR, ABRM
RE/MAX Allegiance
Christine Singhass, ABR
Caroline’s Realty
Sarah Stelmok, ABR, GRI, e-PRO
Nest Realty Group
Chip Taylor
Century 21 Battlefield
Penny Traber, ABR, GRI, CRS
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Ed Tennstedt
Long & Foster, Inc.- Fredericksburg
Ginny Vickers, ABR
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
Barbara Waite, GRI, SRES
Nest Realty Group
Kristie M Walker, ABR
Nest Realty Group
Sha Williams- Hinnant, ABR, CRS, GRI
1st Choice Better Homes & Land
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