Click here to see which RVAR members have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.

Alert your buyers! A company under the name of "Record Transfer Service" has been mailing notices to new homeowners in the Roanoke Valley -- and throughout the country -- attempting to sell them copies of property deeds for $83. A deed can be purchased through local governments for less than $10.

News reports warning property owners of this type of solicitation have surfaced across the country. The notices look official, as they list specific property information, including parcel and zone identification. New homebuyers are targeted and urged to respond quickly. Click here to view a sample. Though the last sentence indicates it is a solicitation, consumers may not read every word and may assume the notice is an official bill that must be paid.

The Nominating Committee and Board of Directors have proposed the following slate of new Officers and Directors for 2014. Those already elected to serve next year are:  Donna Greer, President; Betty Kingery, Past President and Directors Kathy Chandler, Fred Hall, Donna Marie Harris and Adam Lynch. (NOTE: Though Ms. Harris' term on the Board of Directors continues next year, she has chosen to run for the Office of Vice President. Should Ms. Harris be elected as Vice President, then there will be a one year Director vacancy to be filled.)

•  President-elect Vic Coffey, RE/MAX All Stars
•  Vice President Donna Marie Harris,  Long & Foster, REALTORS®
•  Director Bryan Musselwhite, Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group
•  Director Jeff Snyder, The Real Estate Group
•  Director Richard Wimberley, RE/MAX All Points

Click here for a one-page flyer with more information on these nominees.

Any REALTOR® wishing to file as a petition candidate for any of the positions noted above must file a petition with the RVAR office during the month of September. The petition must be received in the RVAR office by Monday, September 30th and be signed by 20 RVAR members in good standing. If any petitions are filed, an election by ballot for any contested seats will be held by mid-November.

RVAR Golf Tournament: FORE!! Monday, September 9th is the date for RVAR's Annual Golf Tournament, held this year at Westlake Golf Club. Still just $50/person -- which includes all green fees, carts, range balls, lunch, beverages, reception and LOTS of prizes -- including $1,000 in prizes to the top two net and gross scoring teams!! Get your team together! Registration and lunch starts at 11:30AM and Tee Time at 12:30PM.  Click here for registration information.

Affiliates & REALTORS® Night: RVAR's Affiliates Committee proudly presents a special evening you will not want to miss! This year's event will be held at Hidden Valley Country Club in Salem on September 17th 5-8PM. Great Food! Great Prizes! Great Fun! Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door and include two drink tickets. Click here for more information or to register.

Speakers Council: RVAR's September 17th Speakers Council will feature RIDE Solutions, a local organization providing alternative transportation options to residents living within the greater Roanoke and New River Valleys -- ridesharing, biking, public transportation etc. The meeting will be held at the RVAR Office, beginning at 8:15AM and ending by 9:30AM. Breakfast is provided. If you are not a Council member, cost to attend is $5. Please notify Susan Edwards if you plan to attend.

RVAR's Speakers Council meets nine times a year, with a featured speaker usually related to economic development or quality of life issues in the greater Roanoke Valley.

Joe Sutliff

RVAR is pleased to announce that Joe Sutliff will be joining the RVAR staff as its Director of Community Relations and Events. He will be responsible for six different Committees and a variety of events. Joe has been an active RVAR volunteer for many years and served as RVAR's President in 2011. He is in the process of wrapping up his real estate business at RE/MAX All Stars - as one cannot be an RVAR employee and have an active real estate license.

We look forward to having Joe officially on staff in early September.

The first seven months of 2013, as compared with the same period in 2012, reflect a 19% increase in the number of homes sold and a 6.5% increase in the average price of homes sold. The number of homes placed under contract in July, 2013 was 11% higher than the number of contracts signed in July, 2012.

The MLS releases its monthly home sales statistics around the 15th of the following month (since listing firms are given 10 business days following settlement to change the status of MLS listings to Sold.) A link to the monthly statistics, along with a 3-year comparison, is provided on the front page of RVAR.com.

Do you treat all your buyers and sellers the same, regardless of their generation? Each generation has different characteristics when it comes to home buying and selling. Did you know that older sellers are more likely to reduce their asking price? That middle-aged sellers are more likely to initiate discussions about compensation? That younger buyers choose an agent based on honesty and trustworthiness? Click here to review a summary of NAR's recent report of buyer and seller generational trends. Your approach to each generation will change!

Home Builders Green HVAC Workshop: The Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association invites REALTORS® to attend this FREE workshop on September 10th, 3:00-5:00PM at the Vinton War Memorial. Learn from local experts about the new normal in mechanical design and performance. REALTORS® and appraisers are encouraged to attend, along with architects, builders, remodelers and HVAC installers. Click here for registration information.

 S.T.A.R Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals: The Earth Advantage Institute is offering this FREE two-day class, September 9th and 10th, 9AM-4PM, including 12 hours of CE electives. This certification course provides REALTORS® with an understanding of the value and benefits of a new or remodeled green home and prepares them to market these homes. Click here for more information or to register.

Appraising Green Homes: Construction Methods & Valuation: The Earth Advantage Institute is offering this FREE two-day class, September 11th and 12th, 9AM-5PM, including 14 hours of appraiser CE credits. This course will provide an introduction to all phases of green residential construction. Learn how green homes or energy upgrades made to existing homes can increase the appraised value of a home. Click here for more information or to register.

ABR Class: The New River Valley Association of REALTORS® is offering a two day ABR class, September 18th and 19th, featuring well known speaker Adorna Carroll. The class will be offered at the New River Valley Association office in Christiansburg and provides 16 hours of CE/PL credits.  Click here for registration information.

Legal Update: Mark your calendar for September 26th, 9AM-Noon at the South Roanoke County Library. VAR Counsel Blake Hegeman will return with the latest legal news from around the state and country. Specific topics will be: Real Estate Laws You Need to Know (2 hours) and Sneaky Regs (1 hour.) This class provides 3 hours CE/PL credits.  Click here for more information or to register.

GRI 402: Financing Alternatives: Attend this course to get up to speed on loan limits, finance options, avoiding common potholes and tips for navigating the difficult deal. This October 10th course is REQUIRED to earn the GRI designation and qualifies for 7 hours of CE/PL electives. Pam Ermen is the instructor for this course. Click here for more information or to register.

Already earned your GRI? You may attend any GRI class for only $35. Great way to update your knowledge and earn CE. (No test required.)

In Sympathy

 

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