MEMBER TYPE / COUNT
REALTOR® 1409 
Offices 142
Affiliate 319
Click here to see which RVAR members have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.
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Anyone who pays 2021 dues by Monday, November 2nd (includes a November 2nd postmark) can take advantage of a $50 discount. Simply go to www.RVAR.com and click on User Login (upper right hand corner). Follow the instructions to log in to access and pay your dues bill online. The final date to pay 2021 dues is Tuesday, January 12th.
Any member may contact Susan Edwards to request a dues bill via email or mail.
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Fall Election for RVAR Board of Directors
RVAR's 2021-2022 Board of Directors has 4 open Director positions. Five candidates have applied for these 4 positions:
Dana Berenbaum, MKB, REALTORS®
Jay Kilby, RE/MAX All Stars Realty
Julie Kingery, Mountain to Lake Realty
Lori Shultz-Moore, NextHome Right Choice
Todd Wampler, Century 21 Wampler Realty
Electronic ballots will be used, delivered via email on Tuesday, October 27th. Voting will end at Midnight on Thursday, November 12th.
Congratulations to Ashley Donahue of Wainwright & Co. who has been elected to serve a second term as the 2021 President-elect and Meg Smith of MKB, REALTORS® who will serve a second term as 2021 Vice President, since no additional candidate applications were received for these positions.
Since Ashley Donahue and Meg Smith were elected to second terms as President-elect and Vice President, respectively, then Walter Grewe (Wainwright & Co.) will automatically serve a second term as President and Neil Conner (The Real Estate Group) will automatically serve a second term as Immediate Past President.
Also continuing their service on the 2021 Board will be Directors Barry Bridges (Weichert REALTORS® Bridges & Co.); Rob Logan (The Real Estate Group); and Shannon Hines (Long & Foster, REALTORS®).
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RVAR Endorses Candidates for Roanoke City Mayor & Council
RVAR's Board of Directors has endorsed Sherman Lea for re-election as Roanoke City Mayor. The BOD also endorsed Trish White-Boyd, Kiesha Preston and Peter Volosin for Roanoke City Council in the upcoming races. These endorsements were based on recommendations from RVAR's Governmental Affairs Committee.
All candidates participated in interviews with questions focused on the top priorities for the City, job creation, expanding education for skilled workforce, economic development, and their vision for Roanoke.
Roanoke City has two candidates running for Mayor and there are eight candidates vying for three Council seats. Mayor Lea's campaign will receive a $1,500 RPAC contribution. Each of the endorsed Council candidates will receive a $1,250 RPAC contribution to their individual campaigns.
The election is Tuesday, November 3rd.
Special thanks to the Governmental Affairs Committee and the two Interview Panels for their efforts to conduct these 10 interviews.
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FlexMLS Retiring Full Search
FlexMLS will retire its Full Search feature on Wednesday, November 18th. FlexMLS initially announced this plan last November. Why? The Full Search is starting to show its age. The layout is dated, it is not mobile friendly and some newer fields cannot be displayed in the Full Search. If you have not made the switch, start now by using the FlexMLS Quick Search feature. Click here for the FlexMLS guide on transitioning from the Full Search to the Quick Search. Click here for 2 minute tip videos. What will happen to your previously saved full searches? They will stay the same. The name of the saved search will be unchanged and the search criteria and results will be the same. The only difference will be that when you edit a previously saved Full Search, you'll edit it from the Quick Search screen. Will subscriptions and portals still work? FlexMLS says YES. Since the searches will remain intact, the subscriptions and portals will still work. Your contacts should not experience any disruption in service. Any questions? Contact FlexMLS support: 888-525-474 or support@flexmls.com.
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November Tech Lunch & Learn: The Power of the Search
Plan to join RVAR's Technology Committee for its Thursday, November 19th Lunch & Learn (11:30AM - 1:00PM). Learn how to transition to the Quick Search feature in FlexMLS. You will also learn how to create search templates and the tips and tricks to make the most of the MLS search bar. This session will be offered via Zoom.
Join us during your lunch break. Click here to register for this FREE event.
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November Display Key Exchange
Supra and RVAR are retiring Display Keys in November. Supra will conduct a remote exchange for Display Key users November 16th - 20th; 23rd -24th. Watch for an email from Supra on November 2nd with links to schedule your virtual appointment. Your appointment will confirm a two hour window during which a Supra representative will call you to activate your new key. Your Display Key will stop working once your new key is activated.
Display Key users will have three choices:
- Switch to the eKey Basic app on your smart phone. Monitor showings on your listings in the eKey app. Set access hours to listings, change lockbox shackle codes in an instant and track lockbox inventory.
- Switch to the eKey Professional app on your smart phone. All the benefits of the Basic app + view and search MLS listings and agent roster; view map and turn by turn directions to listings and invite buyers to use new Supra Home Tour app.
- Switch to the XpressKey, which updates automatically over cellular networks and provides the same real-time showing notices as the eKey.
More details will be available in the November 2nd email from Supra. Display Key users are welcome to switch to either of the eKey apps sooner. Just contact Susan Edwards at the RVAR office.
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Recap from October BOD
Click on President Walter Grewe's photo to watch the next installment of the video recap of RVAR's October 8th Board of Directors meeting.
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September Home Sales
Sales activity remained strong in September, with 615 homes sold, a 27% increase over September, 2019, with a 29% increase in the average price of homes sold. The 615 homes sold represent the highest such number in any September in the history of the MLS. A link to the September home sales statistics, including a 4-year comparison, is provided on the front page of RVAR.com. The MLS releases its monthly home sales statistics around the 15th of the following month.
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Feeding America Food Drive
There is still time to join us today Thursday, October 22 (8am-3pm) for the 2020 RVAR Holiday Food Drive benefiting Feeding SWVA. This has been an extraordinarily tough year for so many in our area. Let us lend a hand to make sure everyone has food on their table for the holidays.
This will be a drive up/drop off event. Simply pick up some yummy (non-perishable) holiday food items from your favorite store, drive up to the back of the RVAR Office and drop it off. Volunteers will be available to assist you.
Monetary donations are welcome as well.
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Be a Part of the Magic!
 Join us beginning Tuesday, November 3 for our 2020 Virtual Angel Tree benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of SWVA. Simply click here, beginning on Tuesday, November 3, and you will be transported to the Boys & Girls Club of SWVA's Amazon Wishlist, choose your gift and checkout. Amazon will deliver the package directly to the Boys & Girls Club. The staff of the Boys & Girls Club will wrap it and make sure it reaches the intended boy or girl.
Be the reason someone smiles this holiday season!
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Good Neighbor Award
Each year the RVAR, in association with its Community Service Committee, accepts applications for our Good Neighbor Award, presented to a REALTOR® and an Affiliate for their charitable work in our community. We are excited to offer these awards again for 2020! The recipient will receive recognition for their efforts as well as $1,000 for their respective charity. If you know someone that has made a difference in our community and you would like to nominate them for these awards, please contact Jim Sweetwood at jim@rvar.com or 540-772-0526 for more information on the nominating process. Deadline for nominations is Friday, November 13.
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REALTOR® of the Year Award
Do you know a REALTOR® who is well respected, known for professionalism, and volunteers time to RVAR and / or the community? If you do, then you should take a moment to nominate that deserving REALTOR® for RVAR's most prestigious award. The nomination process is as simple as sending an email to RVAR's CEO Laura Benjamin explaining whom you want to nominate and why. RVAR will contact all nominees to obtain their resumes. The nomination deadline is Friday, November 13th. The winner will be selected by the past five recipients of this award. Click here to see who has already won this prestigious award.
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The "Economic Update" presents updates on timely topics that have an impact on you and your business.
Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist for Virginia REALTORS®, will be our guest presenter. Dr. Sturtevant will provide a reflective look at the real estate market both state-wide and regionally while also giving us some insight on what to expect in 2021. This will be a timely presentation by Dr. Sturtevant and is a "don't miss" presentation.
The "Economic Update" will be held on Tuesday, December 8th via Zoom. The presentation will begin at 9:00AM with a brief welcome followed by Dr. Sturtevant's presentation and include time for questions & answers.
Click here to register or contact the RVAR office. Once you are registered, the Zoom meeting link will be sent to you in a reminder email a few days prior to the meeting.
The "Economic Update" has the goal of providing local, informative presentations regarding topics that affect you and your business. All REALTOR® and Affiliate members are encouraged to attend.
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Advocacy @ Work
Advocacy @ Work is an article aimed at updating members on what is happening in our region regarding Economic Development and/or Governmental Affairs.
National Flood Insurance Program Extended!
Good news! The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has been extended until September 30, 2021! While the NFIP was hitched to the "must-pass" omnibus appropriations legislation that funds the federal government, Congress approved, and the President signed a one-year extension of the NFIP.
The National Association of REALTORS® supports and continues to push for a long-term authorization of the NFIP along with meaningful reforms to improve the program. We will continue to monitor the progress of this important program and provide any updates.
Fly ROA!
The Board of Directors recently made the important commitment and pledge when traveling by air to strive to fly from the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. RVAR joins a growing list of businesses in the region to make the Game Changer Pledge to support our airport and our local economy by "Flying Local First".
We ask all our REALTOR® and Affiliate members when traveling by air for business or pleasure to "Fly ROA!"
Exciting News! Very Special Economic Update Presenter
On behalf of the Economic Development Committee, I am excited to announce that Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist for Virginia REALTORS® will be our very special guest Economic Update presenter. The Zoom presentation will be Tuesday, December 8th starting at 9:00AM.
If you have not heard Dr. Sturtevant's presentations, she does a great job of dissecting the real estate data and presenting it in an understandable and useful matter. This is a "don't miss" presentation. Click here to register for this Zoom presentation.
Remember to Vote!
Article provided by Joe Sutliff, RVAR Director of Economic & Governmental Affairs.
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RPAC & You!
RPAC is the REALTORS® Political Action Committee. This year, like no other, RPAC remains focused on supporting issues that are important to REALTORS®, property rights and supporting candidates who understand your business. Walter Grewe, 2020 RVAR President, says "RPAC is vital to our profession and to the future of your business. Your RPAC contribution makes our collective voice heard through the continued efforts of the National Association of REALTORS®, Virginia REALTORS®, and RVAR." If you have already contributed to RPAC for 2020, we say "Thank you!!"Your contribution, as small as $15, will make a huge difference. Please contribute to RPAC when you pay your 2021 dues! Invest in Yourself, INVEST IN RPAC TODAY!
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"Your Vote is Your Voice!"
Election day is just 12 Days away!
Every election is important. This year is no different. When REALTORS® vote, our elected leaders notice. As a REALTOR® member, make certain your voice is heard before decisions are made that affect your business. Remember to VOTE on Tuesday, November 3rd! 
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RVAR Needs YOU in 2021
 When you volunteer to serve on one of RVAR's 12 Committees, you will be better informed, better networked and better able to impact the decisions made affecting your business. We need your time, talent and ideas!
Both REALTORS® and Affiliate members are welcome to serve. Click here to volunteer for a Committee, plus review a description of each Committee's purpose and how often it meets. Please submit your request by Monday, November 30th.
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2020 NAR Convention is Going Virtual
NAR has transitioned its 2020 REALTOR® Convention, previously scheduled to be held in New Orleans, to a fully virtual format. A registration fee of $199 will allow you to attend every session and event. The low registration fee, plus no travel costs, makes this an excellent opportunity. Click here for more information, including a list of the sessions.
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Upcoming Education
Through the end of the year, some RVAR classes will be offered online via Zoom, other classes will be offered in-person at the RVAR office. The capacity for in-person classes may be limited due to COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing. Masks are required at the RVAR office.
Virtual GRI Classes: Virginia REALTORS® is partnering with RVAR and three neighboring Associations (New River, Lexington and Martinsville) to offer two virtual GRI classes this fall. Each class will be offered in two parts via Zoom.
GRI 502 Sales Contracts with Instructor Michael Guthrie November 4th 9:00AM-12Noon
November 5th 9:00AM-12Noon
Forms and contracts are all the same, right? Think again! This class will provide guidance and tactical skills for writing and presenting a variety of real estate agreements, such as sales contracts, deposits and title insurance. This course will also cover, in detail, disclosure forms and
contingencies associated with the sales contracts. You will receive the hands-on experience with the basics of sales contracts along with the best ways to serve and protect clients. Click here to register for this class. This class is approved for 6 hours CE for Real Estate Contracts and 6 hours PL for contract writing.
Fair Housing: RVAR's Education Committee presents this in-person class in conjunction with the Moseley Dickinson Academy of Real Estate, Thursday, November 12th, 2:00-4:00PM 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.
Click here to register. (Attendance at this in-person class is limited due to social distancing guidelines.) Zoom Zoom - The Virtual Class: This class was so popular in August - we are offering it again! Whether you are attending an online class or holding a virtual meeting with your clients, learn how to use Zoom and make the most of its features. Click here to register for this FREE class, Tuesday, November 17th 10:00-11:00AM, conducted by Kelly Soriano of Wainwright & Co., REALTORS®. This class will be offered via Zoom.
Curb Appeal - Appearance Matters: This Wednesday, November 18th (9:00 - 10:30AM) class will help you educate your sellers on the importance of curb appeal, including the best bang for the seller's buck. Before and after examples will be shared. Presenters include a landscape designer, Wayne Wilcox with Halcyon Planning & Design and two renovators, REALTOR® Angel Lane with Wainwright & Co. and Mike Lane with Frame to Finish Construction. This class will be presented in-person and via Zoom. Click here to register for the Zoom class. OR click here to register for the in-person class. (Attendance at the in-person class is limited due to social distancing guidelines.)
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Our RVAR Family
Sympathy
RVAR offers condolences to Elizabeth Cranwell of MKB, REALTORS® upon the passing of her brother and to Amelia Gerner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate upon the death of her father.
Congratulations
RVAR congratulates Vic Coffey of RE/MAX All Stars Realty who recently earned NAR's C2EX (Commitment to Excellence) certification.
RVAR congratulates Mary Dykstra of MKB, REALTORS® upon her appointment to serve on VAR's Diversity & Inclusion Presidential Advisory Group.
RVAR congratulates Kit Hale of MKB, REALTORS® upon being reappointed to serve on NAR's Executive Committee through 2022. RVAR congratulates Mary Dykstra of MKB, REALTORS® upon being appointed as Vice Chair of NAR's 2021 Leading Edge Advisory Board. RVAR congratulates Betty Kingery of Mountain to Lake Realty upon her appointment to NAR's 2021 Resort & Second Home Real Estate Committee and Joe Sutliff of RVAR to NAR's 2021 Housing Opportunity Committee. Four RVAR members will serve on NAR's 2021 Board of Directors: Dennis Cronk of Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group, Mary Dykstra of MKB, REALTORS®, Kit Hale of MKB, REALTORS® and Steve Hoover of MKB, REALTORS®.
RVAR congratulates those recently honored by Discover SWVA magazine with 2020 Readers' Choice Awards. Some of RVAR's Affiliate members were recognized, too!
Best Overall Auctioneer: Bronze - Woltz & Associates
Best Real Estate Agent / Agency
Botetourt: Gold - Jennifer Ikenberry (RE/MAX All Stars Realty); Silver -
RE/MAX All Stars Realty; Bronze - Century 21 Wampler Realty
Franklin County: Gold - Daniel Brown (Executive Realty); Silver - Betty
Kingery (Mountain to Lake Realty); Bronze - Mountain to Lake Realty
Roanoke City: Gold - MKB, REALTORS®; Silver - Long & Foster,
REALTORS®; Bronze - The Real Estate Group
Roanoke County: Gold - Lichtenstein-Rowan, REALTORS®; Silver - MKB,
REALTORS®; Bronze - Daniel Brown (Executive Realty)
Salem: Gold - The Real Estate Group; Silver - MKB, REALTORS®; Bronze -
Barker Realty Co.
Best Overall Bank: Gold - Bank of Botetourt; Silver - Freedom First Credit Union;
Bronze - Member One Federal Credit Union
Best Overall Credit Union: Gold - Freedom First Credit Union; Silver - Member One Federal Credit Union; Bronze - Blue Eagle Credit Union
Best Overall Insurance Agent: Gold - Bill Meador Insurance Agency
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Upcoming Events & Deadlines
The December 11th Installation & Awards Breakfast, scheduled to be held at the Hotel Roanoke, has been canceled.
October 22nd
| Food Drive for Feeding America
| November 2nd
| Final Day for Dues Discount
| November 4th & 5th
| Class: GRI 502 Sales Contracts
| November 11th
| RVAR Office Closed for Veteran's Day
| November 12th
| Class: Fair Housing
| November 17th
| Class: Zoom Zoom
| November 18th
| Class: Curb Appeal
| November 19th
| Class: Tech Lunch & Learn
| November 26th & 27th
| RVAR Office Closed for Thanksgiving
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Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®
Proudly Recognizes Our 2020 Partner / Sponsors
Platinum Level Partner / Sponsor
Diamond Level Partner / Sponsor
Gold Level Partner / Sponsor
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