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FAAR to Host Candidate Interviews for Local Elections
On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, the FAAR Public Policy Committee will interview candidates running for local office including seats in the General Assembly and local Boards of Supervisors. Each candidate is sent a candidate survey to gather information on where the individual stands on issues such as transportation, growth policies, and taxes. While the Committee members’ main goal is to get to know the candidate and whether they will be supportive of the real estate industry, the interview also serves as a great opportunity for the candidates to learn more about FAAR and the concerns of our members.
The interviews are open to the entire FAAR membership, but only those members who serve on the Public Policy Committee are permitted to ask questions of the candidates. The Committee will go into executive session after the interviews have concluded and decide who, if anyone, to endorse in each seat that had a candidate the group interviewed. This process is a great way to establish a relationship with new elected officials from the beginning. The candidate interview schedule is published below, please RSVP to Kim McClellan at kmcclellan@faarmembers.com if you would like to attend the interviews.
Interview Schedule
Morning Session
8am: Cindy Shelton (Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Aquia District)
8:30am: Nelson Gentry (Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Berkeley District)
9:00am: Open
9:30am: Chris Yakabouski (Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Battlefield District)
10am: Kevin Marshall (Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Berkeley District)
10:30am: Cathy Binder (King George County Board of Supervisors, Shiloh District)
11:00am: Greg Cebula (Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors, Berkeley District)
Afternoon Session
3:30pm: Greg Bundrick (Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Falmouth District)
4:00pm: Mark Dudenhefer (Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Garrisonville District)
4:30pm: Yolanda Rousell (Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Aquia District)
5:30pm: Meg Bohmke (Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Falmouth District)
6:00pm: Laura Sellers (Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Garrisonville District)
6:30pm: Joshua Cole (House of Delegates, District 28)
7pm: Bob Thomas (House of Delegates, District 28)
2018 Board of Directors Slate of Candidates Announced
“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 16, 2017. The Secretary (Chief Executive Officer) shall send notice of such additional nominations to all REALTOR® members before the election.”
(As of 6/30/17 there are 1566 REALTOR® members. 313 names are needed to complete the petition requirement and be sent to FAAR by August 16, 2017.)
Sample Ballot
Slate of Candidates- 2018 Leadership
Election September 13, 2017
FAAR offers electronic voting and the ballot will be sent in an email to each REALTOR® member on August 23. Those who want to vote with a paper ballot can do so by going to the Election table in the Lobby of the Expo at the September 13 Expo from 9 am to 1 pm. Election results will be announced after 2 pm at the Expo on September 13.
Candidates for 2017 Election for the Year 2018
President Kevin McGrath- Long & Foster, Inc.
*President-Elect Drew Fristoe, Coldwell Banker Elite, Massaponax
*Vice President Arlene Mason, Coldwell Banker Elite Realty
Secretary Mark Geslock, Century 21 Redwood
Treasurer Carrie Danko, 1st Choice Better Homes & Land, Fredericksburg
(a two-year term)
Immediate Past President Linda Fosdick, ABR, CRS, GRI- Dockside Realty
Directors- Three candidates for three positions. Select up to three.
__ Pam Kuper, Century 21 New Millennium
__ Clay Murray, Coldwell Banker Elite, Spotsylvania
__ Sandy Pearce, Coldwell Banker Elite, Spotsylvania
Three candidates for 1 affiliate position. Select one.
__ Phillip Blake, MBH Settlement Group
__ Barry Moore, ALCOVA Mortgage
__ Donna Schmidt, American Home Shield
*Please note that Drew Fristoe is now running for 2018 President-Elect. Arlene Mason, the current Vice President, asked that her name not be forwarded for 2018 President-Elect. Due to a family medical issue, Arlene requested that she remain Vice President in 2018 and be considered for the President-Elect position in 2019.
Flood Insurance is Key for a Healthy Local Real Estate Market
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Check out the photos from this year’s Family Fun Day Crab Feast and FAARBQ!
FAAR Unveils New Website to Better Serve Members and the Public
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Special Alert | POA Form Update
The Common Interest Community (CIC) Board has amended the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Disclosure Packet Notice Form, which is required to accompany all property owner association disclosure packets.
This form now states, “[t]he purchaser may have the right to cancel the contract after receiving the disclosure packet or an update of the disclosure packet.”
The form is currently available on the Common Interest Community Board website and is already in use by property owner associations.
The use of the word “may” in this context could cause confusion as to whether and when a buyer has a three-day right of cancellation, when in fact, the law does give the buyer the right to cancel the contract after receiving the disclosure packet, but not after receiving an update.
We will offer additional information as your Virginia REALTORS® staff works on your behalf to ensure that the form language accurately reflects the law.
What you need to know
- The form is legally incorrect since it says the buyer may have a right to terminate after receiving an update. However, the use of the word “may” reduces the risk while we work to have the form changed.
- The form could cause some confusion with your clients as to their rights.
- There IS absolutely a three-day right of cancellation after receipt of a disclosure packet.
- There is NOT a three-day right of cancellation after receipt of an update.
- This does not apply to the Condominium Act or condo resale certificate.
Additional Resources
You can find further information on this issue by contacting the Virginia REALTORS® Legal Hotline.
Thank you REALTORS® and Affiliates for your dedication to community service!
Thank you to all the REALTORS® and Affiliates who participate in community service projects throughout the year and to those who shared their projects with us! REALTORS® are engaged in the community in lots of different ways and we are proud to highlight the efforts of our members. Take a look at all the great submissions received last week! Lastly, we would also like to give a special thank you to those REALTORS® and Affiliates who serve on the FAAR Community Service Committee – your commitment and dedication does not go unnoticed.
Virginia Realtors® Will Not Endorse in Statewide Elections
Read the special announcement below about why the Virginia Realtors® will not be endorsing any candidates in the statewide elections this year. FAAR will be interviewing for possible endorsement in local elections so be on the lookout for those announcements in early September.
Special Announcement from 2017 President Claire Forcier-Rowe
As one of only two states to hold major elections in 2017, much national attention and political energy will be focused on Virginia this year.
In the past, the RPAC of Virginia Trustees have endorsed and supported candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. This year presents the Trustees with unique circumstances. After serious consideration and deliberation, the RPAC of Virginia Trustees have decided at this time not to endorse candidates in Virginia’s statewide elections.
Virginia Realtors® have strong relationships and a positive history with both Ralph Northam and Ed Gillespie, the Democratic and Republican nominees for governor, respectively.
The advocacy goal of the Virginia Realtors® and RPAC of Virginia is to promote the Realtor® Party by supporting candidates who champion our issues, regardless of political affiliation.The Trustees are confident that either candidate would, as governor, pursue policies beneficial to Realtors® and your clients.
Thank you to the RPAC of Virginia Trustees for thoughtful deliberation in this choice.
Looking for a REALTOR® or Affiliate Member?
Easily find local area REALTORS® or Affiliate Members using the “Member Search” feature located at faarmembers.com/member-search or browse the Affiliate Marketing Partners page at faarmembers.com/marketing-affiliates under the “Your Association” tab. Great service starts with great communication! 🌎 If you have a client who feels more comfortable in another language, find them the right agent through our language search in the Member Search feature.
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