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ROANOKE VALLEY REALTOR®
Online
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You are receiving this online newsletter as a benefit of being a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®.
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Member Type
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Count
--------------------------- REALTOR@ 1,157 Offices 130 Affiliate 225
Click here
to see which RVAR members have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.
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Membership Meeting Approves Bylaws Revisions
Thank you to the 97 REALTORS® who attended the July 14th Membership Meeting and unanimously approved the proposed Bylaws revisions, previously noticed to the membership. Highlights of the approved Bylaws revisions include:
- Extended the dues payment deadline by one week, from January 5th to January 12th, to provide additional time to process payments following the New Year's holiday.
- Streamlined the process for applying for a Director or Officer position on the Board of Directors, by adopting objective minimum requirements, eliminating the Nominating Committee and establishing a Credentials Committee. (See below for a detailed description of the new process.)
- Changed the timeline to apply for a Director or Officer position on the Board of Directors to begin on August 1st and end on October 1st. (Since October 1st falls on a Saturday this year, the 2016 deadline will be Monday, October 3rd.)
- Added a Broker seat on the Board of Directors, to be appointed annually by the Broker Council. (This appointment will be made following the election.)
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Openings on 2017 RVAR BOD -- New Process
RVAR's Board of Directors has announced the following leadership openings for 2017: President-elect, Vice President and 4 Director positions. Based on Bylaws revisions approved at the July 14th Membership Meeting, the process for applying for a Director or Officer position has been streamlined:
- The application period began on Monday, August 1st and ends on Monday, October 3rd.
- A period of RVAR membership is required: 2 years for Directors, 3 years for Vice President and 4 years for President-elect.
- All applicants must meet the following objective criteria:
- Must have served on an RVAR Committee, Task Force etc. within the previous 10 years;
- Must not have had a Virginia Real Estate Board violation with the previous 2 years;
- Must not have had a Code of Ethics violation within the previous 2 years.
- No more than 2 members from the same firm may serve at the same time on the Board of Directors, with the exception of the Immediate Past President.
If you are interested or have any questions about the requirements and benefits of serving on the Board of Directors, please contact President Donna Marie Harris or CEO Laura Benjamin. Click here for more information on the Candidate Application process, including the application form.
Continuing their service on the 2017 Board will be: President Kathy Chandler (MKB); Immediate Past President Donna Marie Harris (Long & Foster); and Directors Jerry Cohen (Park Place); Neil Conner (The Real Estate Group); and Walter Grewe (Long & Foster).
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MLS Input Sheets: Update
On June 1st, new MLS Input Sheets were made available in zipForms®. The new Input Sheets, created by FlexMLS, match the layout of the FlexMLS input screen. However, RVAR has received complaints about the new MLS Input Sheets.
On Tuesday, August 2nd, the 'old' MLS Input Sheets were added back to zipForms®. Members will have a choice between using the 'old' MLS Input Sheets (revision date 2/2016) and the new MLS Input Sheets (revision date 6/2016).
Please note:
The fields and choices on the old and new versions are the same -- it is just the layout that is different. Also, Brokers may opt to select only one version for use by their agents.
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Condo Legislation Passed by US Senate
NAR is celebrating a long-sought victory, calling the Senate's recent unanimous passage of the "Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act" a "significant step" toward eliminating barriers to safe, affordable mortgage credit for condos.
The Senate passed this bill on July 15th; the House-version of this legislation was passed unanimously in February. President Obama is expected to sign the bill.
This legislation includes reforms to current Federal Housing Administration (FHA) restrictions on condominium financing, among other provisions. The changes are expected to make FHA's recertification process "substantially less burdensome", while lowering FHA's current owner-occupancy requirement from 50 percent to 35 percent. The bill also requires FHA to replace existing policy on transfer fees with the less-restrictive model already in place at the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
NAR President Tom Salomone praised the legislation. "Condominiums often represent an affordable option that's just right for first-time and low-to-moderate income home buyers. Overly burdensome restrictions on condo financing have for too long put that option out of reach for many creditworthy borrowers. This legislation puts the dream of home ownership back in reach for more Americans."
Special thanks to Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner for cosponsoring the Senate bill. The entire Virginia Congressional delegation supported this important legislation.
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Understanding the FAA's New Drone Rule
REALTORS® hoping to use drones in their business got some big news this summer when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a final rule governing the commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The FAA's rule becomes effective August 29, 2016 and includes some hard-fought wins for NAR.
The new FAA rule will no longer require a small UAS operator to hold a FAA-issued pilot's license. Instead, the final rule requires a person operating a small UAS to either hold a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating or be under the direct supervision of someone who does. This new remote pilot certificate will be less expensive and less time-consuming to obtain -- a major victory for aspiring drone users.
In general, small UAS may only be flown during the daytime, and cannot be flown over non-participants, and the small UAS must be within the visual line of sight of the operator at all times. A process to file for a waiver will be available soon.
There's still more to come. An FAA rule for the 'micro' category of drones is expected either later this year or in early 2017. NAR is continuing to advocate for these additional possibilities.
Click here
to read more about the FAA's new drone rule.
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Join us for 5 o'clock Hops in Hardy / Westlake
5 O'clock Hops will be in Hardy / Westlake on Thursday August 25th at Sunken City Brewery, (40 Brewery Drive, Hardy, VA 24101) from 5:00PM 'til 7:00PM. You are welcome to bring your significant other or friends!
No Registration Required for 5 O'clock Hops - just show up! And bring a friend!
- Appetizers Provided!
- Enjoy Sunken City Brewery's beer selection!
- Door Prizes for REALTORS® & Affiliates! Bring a business card! This event is sponsored by our fabulous 2016 Partner/Sponsors.
This event is sponsored by our fabulous 2016 Partner/Sponsors.
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Let's Play Some Golf!
2016 RVAR Golf Tournament
The 2016 RVAR Golf Tournament will be held at Hidden Valley Country Club on Friday, September 9th with check-in and lunch at 11:00AM and shotgun start at 12:30PM. Hidden Valley is regarded as one of the best courses in the area and this should be a fantastic tournament. Plus, what better way to start your weekend!
The price is still just $60 per player / $240 per team which includes lunch, range balls, golf and a reception with some great door prizes (must be present to win.) The Community Service Committee will again be holding a 50/50 raffle to benefit some of the RVAR charities, so bring some extra cash.
Start putting your team together and come play for $1,000 in prizes (not including annual braggin' rights!) to the top two Net and Gross scoring teams and a Hole in One contest with a chance at $15,000.
We expect this Tournament to be sold out, so register early! Click here for more details and the registration form.
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VAR Relocation Day: August 11th
VAR's Relocation Day Conference,
Thursday, August 11th 9AM-3:15PM, is a must for anyone who is involved in relocation whether it is with corporate clients, government groups or those who are moving for a promotion or new job. This Conference will be held at the VAR Headquarters in Glen Allen (just outside of Richmond.) This year's theme is "Relocation, Referrals and Beyond: Building and Growing Your Business using highly effective communication before, during and after the transaction".
Click here for more information or to register. Questions? Contact
Lara Bingeman of MKB, REALTORS®, who serves as Co-Chair for VAR's Relocation Day.
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REALTOR® Conventions in the Fall
VAR's Annual Convention
moves to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, in National Harbor, MD, September 19th - 21st. Network with REALTORS® from across Virginia plus attend a wide variety of educational classes. The keynote speaker will be Stefan Swanepoel, the leading authority and visionary on trends and technology in the real estate industry.
NAR's Annual Convention
will be held in Orlando, November 4th - 7th. Choose from more than 100 education sessions during the four days, plus the largest real estate trade show in the world, featuring nearly 400 exhibitors with the latest innovations and products. Plenty of networking opportunities plus a celebrity concert featuring Daryl Hall and John Oates and keynote speaker General Colin Powell. Plus REALTOR® Night Out at Universal Studios, where the entire theme park is reserved just for Convention attendees.
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GRI Program Relaunched
After an almost two year hiatus, Virginia's GRI program has been completely transformed, with refreshed curriculum. The Virginia REALTOR® Institute Program consists of ten (10) courses that a student must successfully complete to earn the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. Eight (8) classes are hosted by local associations throughout Virginia and two (2) classes are online.
In addition to working toward earning the GRI designation, students will obtain continuing education and/or post licensure credit. The GRI program contains 38 hours of post licensure (PL) credits and 48 hours of CE credits.
RVAR will be offering two of the new GRI classes this fall -- both of which will be taught by well-known instructor LeRoy Houser:
GRI 504: Working with Buyers
-- November 17th
Click here
to learn more about Virginia's GRI program, including an overview of all 10 classes plus a link to register for the two online classes.
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Code of Ethics
-- This September 14th (9AM - Noon) class, taught by John Dickinson, not only provides 3 hours of CE credit for license renewal, but also meets NAR's ethics training requirement. NAR requires all REALTORS® to complete 3 hours of Code of Ethics training every four years. The current four-year cycle ends December 31, 2016. Click here to register.
GRI 505: Working with Sellers --
This Thursday, September 22nd (9AM - 4:30PM) class, taught by LeRoy Houser, will teach you proven strategies for lead generation for Sellers. The class will also provide tips for listing presentations and a 'how to' for pricing and marketing listings. This class qualifies for 2 hours of Current Industry Issues/Trends PL credit. Click here to register.
Already have your GRI designation?
Contact Louann@rvar.com to register for this class at a reduced rate of $45. No test required!
Annual Legal Update --
VAR Deputy Counsel Blake Hegeman returns for this annual class, Wednesday, October 12th, 9AM - Noon. This event will be held at the South Roanoke County Library. The specific topics to be addressed will be announced soon.
Fair Housing
-- RVAR's Education Committee presents this class in conjunction with the Moseley Dickinson Academy of Real Estate, Thursday, November 10th, 2-4PM at the RVAR Office.
New members
: This class is free -- earn 2 hours PL or CE credit.
Existing members: Pay $10 at the door for 2 hours CE credit.
Mark your calendar -- online registration will open soon.
GRI 504: Working with Buyers --
This Thursday, November 17th (9AM - 4:30PM) class, taught by LeRoy Houser, will offer tips used by top agents to gain new clients and new sales. The class will cover categories of active buyers, techniques for lead generation, components of the home showing process and negotiation strategies. Plus teach you how to market to younger buyers. This class qualifies for 6 hours of Real Estate Related and 2 hours of Current Industry Issues/Trends PL credit. Click here to register.
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ListHub Offers Online Marketing Seminar
ListHub is offering a
FREE seminar,
Friday, August 26th, 10:00-11:00AM at the RVAR office focused on Online Marketing. You will learn:
- Tips for managing your online presence, including setting up your free realtor.com agent profile
- Simple time-saving tools to win listings and get referrals
- Free features available with ListHub's basic service
To register, click here or email: events@listhub.com.
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Our RVAR Family
Sympathy
RVAR expresses sympathy to
Thurston Ford of RealStar upon the death of his father; and to
Suni Heflin of RE/MAX All Stars and
Catina Wright of RE/MAX Lakefront upon the recent death of their mother.
Congratulations
RVAR congratulates Steve Hoover of MKB, REALTORS® upon his reappointment by the Governor to serve a second term on the Virginia Real Estate Board. Hoover will serve another four-year term which began on July 1st.
Congratulations also to McKnight Garner of Waldvogel Commercial Properties upon his graduation from the Roanoke Regional Chamber's Leadership Roanoke Valley.
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Upcoming Events
& Deadlines
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August 11th
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VAR Relocation Day
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August 25th
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5 O'clock Hops in Hardy/Westlake
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August 26th
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ListHub Online Marketing Seminar
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September 5th
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RVAR Office Closed for Holiday
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September 9th
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Golf Tournament
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September 14th
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Code of Ethics Training
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September 19th-21st
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VAR Convention
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September 22nd
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GRI 505 - Working with Sellers
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September 29th
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REALTOR® After Hours at RVAR
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October 3rd
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Final date for BOD Candidate Applications
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Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®
Proudly Recognizes Our 2016 Partner / Sponsors
Platinum Level Partner / Sponsor
Diamond Level Partner / Sponsor
Lawrence Companies
Member One Federal Credit Union
Union Mortgage Group
Gold Level Partner / Sponsor
Acquisition Title & Settlement Agency, Inc
Allied Termite & Pest Control
BB&T Home Mortgage
Bill Meador Insurance Agency
Blue Eagle Credit Union
Bug Man Exterminating, Inc
Colonial Mortgage Co.
Consolidated Construction Services, Inc
First Choice Title & Settlement
Integrity Home Mortgage Corporation
Virginia Mountain Mortgage
Virginia Title Center, LLC
Virginia's All-American Movers
Silver Level Partner / Sponsor
Bank of Floyd
First Citizens Bank
HMS Home Warranty
HomeTown Mortgage
Seal-Tite Basement Waterproofing Co.
The Roanoke Times
THANK YOU!
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Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS
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