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LISTED THE YEAR IN REVIEW AND THE YEAR AHEAD + Congratulations, Winners of Annual Convention Awards + Thank You 2017 RPAC Major Donors + MLS User Products and Services + Upcoming 2018 CE Classes
a magazine of the richmond association of REALTORS® RARealtors.com
FROM THE PRESIDENT John O’Reilly
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING BACK... BRIEFLY For those of you who know me, it comes as no surprise that I’m just a little bit of a “Type A.” I’m all about what’s next, what’s next, what’s next? I have to force myself to stop and reflect. But it’s in those moments of looking back that we recall what we’ve accomplished and are grateful to everyone who has been a part of the journey. I can’t believe the time has come for me to look back on my year as RAR/CVR MLS President. 2017 has passed so quickly; and I am so proud of what the volunteer and staff leadership have accomplished for the members this year. In our ongoing effort to enhance member professionalism, we offered over 150 classes—including 52 free MLS classes, free fair housing classes, and our popular “Summer Camp” series. And we carried this message of your professionalism and your value to the public with an innovative, humorous advertising campaign that advised buyers and sellers to “Leave it to the Realtors.” In addition to educational opportunities, we hosted a number of fun, informative networking events and socials, such as the largest ever Outstanding Production Awards reception and the ever- popular TRENDS with NAR’s Chief Economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun. We had an incredibly busy year in governmental affairs and community engagement. We helped secure approval of the RVA 2040 Regional Transit Plan; we worked with the staffs of county governments on their comprehensive plan reviews; we coordinated
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an affordable housing summit for Mayor Stoney; we hosted a forum on future development in Varina; and we convened a group of stakeholders to develop specific revitalization strategies for the Route 1 corridor. Additionally, RAR’s non-profit, the Partnership for Housing Affordability, hosted its tenth Affordable Housing Awareness Week; played a key role in the growth of the region’s first community land trust; and secured the services of a research associate who will undertake two important housing studies in the coming year. To facilitate all of this work, staff secured over $52,000 in grant funding from VR, NAR, and the Virginia Housing Development Authority. Because we are careful fiscal stewards, we are able to add value without adding to your costs. A great example of this is how we seek continually to strengthen the portfolio of MLS products. In 2017 we launched the Showing Time automated showing service and we released Matrix 7.0 with significant enhancements to your client communications and the client portal. And additional technology enhancements are in the offing for 2018. Speaking of 2018 and what’s next, I can’t wait to see what President Susan Swink, the Board of Directors, and staff will accomplish in the coming year; I know it will be great things. And I know that at the center of all their efforts will be each of you, our members. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve you in 2017; it has been a true honor that I will never forget.
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LISTED m a g a z i n e
Association News Upcoming Events
Listed Magazine is published by: The Richmond Association of REALTORS® 8975 Three Chopt Road Richmond, VA 23229 Editor-in-Chief John Le Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator
Feature The Year in Review and The Year Ahead
Biographies
Publication Design Punch
2017 RPAC Elite
Copyright © 2017. Richmond Association of REALTORS®. All Rights Reserved. Articles of information from the magazine may not be reprinted without the permission of the Richmond Association of REALTORS®. The publisher does not endorse advertised products unless specifically stated, and reserves the right to reject any advertisements at any time.
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Annual Convention Awards RAR Members Take Home Three State Awards At Virginia Realtors® Annual Convention!
Office: 804-422-5000 Fax: 804-422-5088 Web: RARealtors.com
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Meet RAR’s Newest Staff Members
Advertising & Sponsorship Kellie Whitlow 804-422-5009 kwhitlow@RARealtors.com
Printing & Production Carter Printing Company
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Government Affairs 16
Education 2018 CE Offerings New NAR Biennial Code of Ethics Training Requirement
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CVR MLS Catalog MLS User Products and Services
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REALTOR® members pay annual dues with a one-year subscription included within their dues. Sponsor and affiliate members receive a subscription to the magazine as part of their member dues. Annual subscription rate for non-members is $25. Postmaster: Please send change of address to: Listed Magazine Richmond Association of REALTORS® 8975 Three Chopt Road Richmond, VA 23229
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ASSOCIATION
NEWS Upcoming Events Installation Reception Monday | December 11, 2017 The Jefferson Hotel 101 West Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23220 Join RAR and CVR MLS in welcoming incoming President Susan Swink and all 2017 officers and directors. All 2016 committee volunteers will receive free admission. For complimentary registrations, please email kburke@RARealtors.com. For all other registrations, visit RARealtors.com or call 804.422.5000.
REALTORfest Save the Date Tuesday | October 16, 2018 The Greater Richmond Convention Center 403 N 3rd Street Richmond, VA 23219 In addition to a trade show featuring more than 170 exhibitors, attendees of REALTORfest will hear from a full lineup of industry experts and world-class motivational speakers.
LAST-MINUTE TAX TIPS With the end of the year approaching, this is a good time to consider tax deductible expenses for 2017 and weigh the benefit of expediting early 2018 anticipated purchases, in order to deduct them from 2017 taxes. Some of the expense items REALTORS® can usually deduct are: Advertising Legal and Professional Fees Dues and Subscriptions Meals and Entertainment Cell Phone Supra Fees Broker fees
Lock Box Fees Education Expenses Office Supplies Clients Gifts Internet Mileage Postage and Delivery Costs
RAR members and CVR MLS users can see and print a receipt for 2017 Association and MLS-related expenses by logging into their online account and clicking on “view paid and unpaid invoices.” Be sure to check with a tax consultant/accountant, if you have questions concerning the deductibility of an expense. The Federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 eliminated state and federal tax deductions for any portion of dues used for lobbying activities. The estimated portions allocated by the Richmond-, Virginia- and National Associations of REALTORS® for lobbying on behalf of real estate interests are listed below. These figures should be communicated to your tax consultant. 2018 estimated Non-deductible portions of dues: RAR: 11.90% or $20.23
VAR: 6.2% or $19.44
NAR: 43% or $52.00
Note that the NAR Consumer Advertising Campaign special assessment of $35 is considered a deductible expense.
RAR/CVR MLS Holidays Please note that RAR and CVR MLS offices will be closed in observation of the following holidays:
Upcoming Dues Billing Dates
Christmas New Year Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving
MLS Dues Q1 2018 MLS Fees Q2 2018 MLS Fees Q3 2018 MLS Fees Q4 2018 MLS Fees 2019 Association Dues
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December 25 – 26, 2017 January 1, 2018 May 28, 2018 July 4, 2018 September 3, 2018 November 22 – 23, 2018
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Posted December 1, 2017 March 1, 2018 June 1, 2018 September 3, 2018 October 1, 2018
Due by before 5 pm December 29 before 5 pm March 30 before 5 pm June 29 before 5 pm September 28 before 5 pm October 30
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2017
RAR LEADERSHIP
2017
DIRECTORS Gail Ailor Bradley Boykin Don Carnesi Rodney Chenault Marianne Donahue Wayne Gauthier Carol Haley
John O’Reilly 2017 President
David Hamil Becky Hatch Mike Hogan Rhonda Howlett Karen Smith Keith Smith
Dawn Bradley 2017 Immediate Past President
USEFUL
URLS Susan Swink 2017 President-Elect
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Curt Reichstetter 2017 Vice President
RAR Website RARealtors.com
RAR Education RARealtors.com/education
Bill Pay Site IMS.CentralVARealtors.com
Virginia Real Estate Board DPOR.virginia.gov/Boards/Real-Estate
CVR MLS Rules & Regulations ResourceCenter.cvrmls.com
Virginia Association of REALTORS® VirginiaRealtors.org
RAR Government Affairs RARealtors.com/government-affairs
Consumer Campaign Website WeAreTheR.com
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FE ATURE
THE YEAR IN REVIEW AND THE YEAR AHEAD
by John Le
A LOOK BACK from John O'Reilly
In 2017, RAR made significant strides in its efforts to bolster the quality of life within the greater Richmond region, and to ensure that industry regulations protect private property rights and our members’ ability to conduct business. “I have enjoyed collaborating with some of our profession’s best and brightest, and I’ve learned so much from building on the progress that RAR has made over the years,” said John O’Reilly, RAR’s 2017 President. “I’m proud of RAR’s continued efforts in community engagement; this year we reached the tenth anniversary of Affordable Housing Awareness Week, we witnessed the groundbreaking and construction of the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust’s (MWCLT) first home and so many Realtors gave back to the community by volunteering and making donations to their local non-profits.” “Doing business more efficiently is something that I always strive for,” says O’Reilly. “Technology has changed so much and it’s great to see RAR bridge the gap between technology and meaningful, in-person communications. The Association and members are always looking for relevant technology to help clients and their business—advances in technology have always been about service and how Realtors can address the many elements of a real estate transaction with more efficiency. I’m excited about the future of our industry and look forward to continuing the great work with the future leaders of our association and MLS.”
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Town Hall for REALTORS®: Susan Swink, John O'Reilly, Ralph Northam
Curt Reichstetter, Susan Swink, Ed Gillespie, Dawn Bradley, John O'Reilly
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Less than a week after Ed Gillespie and Ralph Northam captured their respective party nominations in the 2017 Gubernatorial Election, the two candidates spent time discussing their platform and ideas for Virginia’s future in an exclusive Town Hall for REALTORS®. Each candidate addressed issues of real estate, homeownership, and property rights, while stressing the important role that housing plays in the Commonwealth’s economy. The Virginia RPAC Trustees decided to withhold an endorsement in all statewide elections in 2017, knowing that the REALTORS® have strong relationships and a positive history with both Ralph Northam and Ed Gillespie. The Trustees are confident that either candidate would, as governor, pursue policies beneficial to REALTORS® and their clients.
© GRTC. Richmond Transit Bus Stop.
The City of Richmond approved the Richmond Transit Network Plan after a year and half of stakeholder meetings and detailed planning efforts. The goal of redesigning Richmond’s 60-year-old bus routes is to make Richmond’s public transportation system more efficient, reduce wait times, and better connect our communities. When combined with the GRTC’s bus rapid transit line, The Pulse (scheduled to open in 2018), the new transit network plan will accelerate and expand connectivity throughout the City.
RAR’s Government Affairs podcast, “Selling Richmond,” hit its one year anniversary over the summer. Joh and Laura interviewed county, city, and citizen leaders working to create the best possible quality of life for residents and for folks looking to come to RVA. “Selling Richmond” has covered sports tourism, transportation, housing affordability and state policies affecting your business. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever fine podcasts are found. Members who contributed $99 or more to RPAC this year were admitted free to the RPAC Recognition Reception at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Those who contributed $250 or more were invited to attend a private dinner with local and state elected officials following the reception. RAREALTORS.COM
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FE ATURE
CAMPAIGN The “We Are the R” campaign promoted the value of using REALTORS® with the “Leave it to the REALTORS®” series of four videos. RAR released the videos to the public via broadcast and digital advertising.
EDUCATION RAR offered over 200 classes in 2017, 11 designation and certification classes, and 180 hours of pre-broker education. Members also took advantage of 58 free MLS classes, free quarterly Fair Housing classes and free NAR Ethics training.
MARCH 12 – 16 10AM – 12PM 5 FOR $25
Members benefited from three sessions of Education Weeks ($25), featuring 5 unique classes offering up to 10 hours of CE.
REALTOR® SUMMER CAMP: WEEK 1
JULY 16-20 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM AND 1:00PM – 3:00PM
REALTOR® SUMMER CAMP: WEEK 2
AUGUST 6-10 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM AND 1:00PM – 3:00PM
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EVENTS Affordable Housing Awareness Week The Richmond region marked the tenth anniversary of Affordable Housing Awareness Week with a community celebration, scores of volunteer opportunities and a special forum that explored the progress we’ve made and the challenges that are still ahead of us. Although we had our share of rainy days and schedule changes, our committed volunteers, community members and sponsors cheerfully supported the week’s activities that helped hundreds of our neighbors in need. A special thanks to all RAR members as well as the RAR/CVR MLS Board of Directors who gave their time and talents!
Outstanding Production Awards Reception RAR held a reception for members at The Country Club of Virginia—James River, in recognition of outstanding sales production for the previous year.
RE TRENDS The Richmond Association of REALTORS®’ RE TRENDS event was held in October at The Westin Richmond. This year RAR welcomed back Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research for the National Association of REALTORS®. He is widely regarded as one of the top economic forecasters in the country. Dr. Yun shared his insights into the current economic climate and his predictions regarding how these conditions will impact national and regional housing markets in 2018.
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feat ur e
Leadership Development Class of 2017
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY Congratulations to the 2017 Leadership Development Academy graduates! The graduates completed a comprehensive six-month training program comprised of individual study, group coaching and unique initiatives designed to identify and enhance leadership skills. The goal of the academy is to give participants the confidence to embrace leadership roles in the real estate industry and beyond. Scott D. McClaine Jr.
Lifelong Realty Inc
Sandra R. Hayashi
Fathom Realty Virginia
Jennie Barrett Shaw
Joyner Fine Properties
Graham Rashkind
Rashkind Saunders & Co.
Scott Dearnley
Joyner Fine Properties
Catherine Stanley
Liz Moore & Associates
Maryann Nettesheim
Liz Moore & Associates
Elliott N. Gravitt
Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville
Shannon Warren
BHG Base Camp
Amy Pramagioulis
Liz Moore & Associates
William R. Coalson
Realty Richmond
Jennifer Fleming
Bobby + April, LLC
Colette D. Rivers-Trotter
Jefferson Properties, LLC
Alexandra Poore
Joyner Fine Properties
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Front row left to right: Maryann Nettesheim, Ali Poore, Shannon Warren, Sandra Hayashi, Amy Pramagioulis Back row left to right: Jennifer Fleming, Graham Rashkind, Scott Dearnley, Elliott Gravitt, Colette Rivers-Trotter, Jenny Barret Shaw Not Pictured: Catherine Stanley, William Coalson, Scott McClaine
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COMMUNITY LAND TRUST The Richmond Association of REALTORS® spearheaded the creation of the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust (MWCLT). The Land Trust creates permanently affordable housing in communities that are becoming more and more expensive. It does this by purchasing a vacant or blighted lot, rebuilding or rehabbing the house and then selling the house while maintaining ownership of the land it sits on. When the owner decides to sell, the equity is split between the Trust and the home owner. Then when the house goes back on the market, it can be sold for less than market value. The MWCLT broke ground on its first home in June and hopes to have a family in it by the end of 2017. The Trust has also acquired several lots across the City and will continue to work with local governments and community partners to create permanently affordable housing. The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust (MWCLT) broke ground in Church Hill on the first home in Richmond designed to remain affordable in perpetuity. The 1600 square foot, 3 bedroom home was built through a partnership with project:HOMES, and funded, in part, by Bon Secours Richmond Health System. Groundbreaking ceremony
A LOOK
AHEAD
“
My motto in life has been to ‘put your best foot forward.’
”
Susan Swink
Incoming 2018 RAR/CVR MLS President Susan Swink was inspired to pursue a leadership role at RAR/CVR MLS, because she was grateful to be in a field that she loves and wanted to help share that experience with other members. “In 1998, I reached an impasse and didn’t know where to turn. Real estate was something that I fell into and it completely turned my life around,” said Susan. “The Association was here for me early on in my career; I don’t think I’d be in the position that I am today, if it weren’t for the support and guidance that I received from RAR. My motto in life has been to ‘put your best foot forward,’ because you never know what’s going to happen; but there’s support all around us, if we know where to look.” RAREALTORS.COM
“I had the opportunity to see how hard the Association works to provide resources to its members and to make strides in representing real estate as an industry. That’s why I wanted to serve on the Board of Directors,” she added. “I want to put a ‘face’ to the Association. Agents don’t always have the time to hit pause and look for help, but RAR has done so much for me and my career—I want more Realtors to take advantage of that, take the time to stop by RAR, take in everything that the Association has to offer, then utilize what works for them and their business. Now is a very exciting time for real estate, it has always been good to me; but I can see it changing and I’m excited to see where it will go next.”
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MEET RAR’s NEWEST STAFF MEMBERS Erika joined RAR as the Data Quality and Compliance Administrator, assisting in the day-to-day operations of the MLS compliance program (LDC), answering member MLS inquiries and managing the forms library. She was a paralegal for over 20 years; primarily working in the areas of real estate, corporate and litigation. Erika may know some of you from her years at Virginia REALTORS® where she was in the Law & Policy department and served as the Professional Standards Administrator as well as the liaison to several committees including Standard Forms and Risk Management.
Random facts about Erika:
Erika Almstead
» Erika is a native New Yorker but moved to Richmond when she was 11 and now considers Virginia her home. She lives with her husband, two sons and her cat, Cocoa. She is a beach bum at heart and plans to retire on a big sailboat!
» »
John is the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at RAR. His responsibilities include coordinating member facing communication channels like eNews and Listed Magazine, and consumer facing communications such as press releases and the annual marketing campaign. John moved to Richmond in 2011 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University and stayed because he fell in love with the city’s food, music and arts scene. He has a background in corporate and non-profit communications and is currently on the Communications Committee at Side by Side and volunteers at the ACLU of Virginia.
Random facts about John:
John Le
» John is a long-distance runner and enjoys destination races like the Blue Ride Relay and Napa Valley Ragnars. You’ve probably run into him at spin, crossfit or yoga. He’s a craft cocktail photographer for local bars/restaurants in the city.
» »
Lori is on the Member Services Team and is one of the first people to greet you at RAR. She assists members with Supra keys, paperwork, store purchases and answering phones. Originally from Botetourt County, she came to Richmond for college and never left. After graduating from VCU she worked for a phone company for 15 years; she helped business customers from contract to activations.
Random facts about Lori:
Lori McCurdy RAREALTORS.COM
» Lori works part time at a nature center, taking care of amphibians and reptiles. » She can be found most Saturdays at the soccer fields cheering on her nephews. » She has a tortoise named Taco. » She is a RAMS fan, go VCU!
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a n nual c o nvent i o n awar d s
RAR MEMBER TAKE HOME THREE STATE AWARDS ® AT VIRGINIA REALTORS ANNUAL CONVENTION!
by John Le
Virginia REALTORS® chose Dawn Bradley, Immediate Past President at Richmond Association of REALTORS®, as Virginia Manager of the Year. Libby Gatewood, Associate Broker at Napier ERA, received the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) Service to Virginia Award and Kim Atkinson, Realtor at RE/MAX, was named the Virginia Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) of the Year. Virginia REALTORS® Annual Convention Awards on October 4, at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, recognized Virginias’ Real Estate professionals in business and community success. “I’m honored to receive the Manager of the Year recognition from Virginia REALTORS®,” said Dawn Bradley. “Real Estate, community service and professional development have always been missions close to me. I can’t believe that I’m taking home this award when there are so many other passionate and hard-working Realtors in Virginia but I couldn’t have done it without my team and my association—RAR.”
Dawn Bradley
Libby Gatewood
“Affordable and sustainable homeownership are very important to me,” Libby Gatewood mentioned. “First-time homebuyers have a lot of information to take in. It’s one of the most important, if not—the most important financial decision they’ll make in their lifetime and I want to make sure that our first-time homebuyers have all the information in front of them.” “It’s important to be an active member of the Association,” Kim Atkinson stated. “Realtor Associations are here to educate members and advance Real Estate as a profession.” 14
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Kim Atkinson
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g overn m ent af fai r s
JOIN THE REAL ESTATE ELITE Many thanks to our 2017 RPAC major donors
This list reflects only RPAC contributions received before September 29, 2017.
GOLDEN R $5,000
To be recognized on this page as a member of the Real Estate Elite, simply make a contribution of $250 or more to Richmond RPAC. Log in to RARealtors.com and look for the RPAC contribution link on your member profile page.
Claire Forcier-Rowe
Tom Innes
Tom Jefferson III
CRYSTAL R $2,500
Karen Smith
Jack Torza
Bill White
Brian Haug
Long and Foster REALTORS® RE/MAX Commonwealth President’s Circle Member Hall of Fame Member
RE/MAX Commonwealth President’s Circle Member
Long and Foster REALTORS® President’s Circle & Hall of Fame Member
Joyner Fine Properties Hall of Fame Member
Joyner Fine Properties President’s Circle & Hall of Fame Member
Long & Foster REALTORS®
The Richmond Association of REALTORS® also made a contribution of $5,000 to RPAC in 2017. 16
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STERLING R $1,000
Gail Ailor
Ceci Amrhein-Gallasch
Dawn Bradley
Jim Brooks
Blake Eudailey
Joyner Fine Properties
Long & Foster REALTORS®
John Finn
Bill Gallasch
Libby Gatewood
Wayne Gauthier
Rhonda Howlett
Nathan Hughes
Anne Innes
Jim Napier
John O’Reilly
Sandy Owens
Katy Richards
Todd Rogers
Susan Swink
Larry Terry
Fathom Realty Virginia
United Real Estate Richmond
Sperity Real Estate Ventures
HMS National
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Joyner Fine Properties
RE/MAX Commonwealth
Hometown Realty
Napier Realtors, ERA
Napier Realtors, ERA
Long & Foster REALTORS®
Town & Country Sales and Management
Real Living Eudailey Real Estate
Joyner Fine Properties
BHG Base Camp President’s Circle Member
Clocktower Realty Group
RE/MAX Commonwealth
LET Properties
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GOVERNOR’S CLUB $500
Carol Haley
BHHS PenFed Realty
The Davis Team Long & Foster REALTORS®
Dee Hall
Long & Foster REALTORS®
Mary K McDonald Monica Rawles VA Properties Long & Foster
Long & Foster REALTORS®
Cathy Saunders Long & Foster REALTORS®
CAPITOL INSIDER $250
Cindy Barnett
Bob Barton
Fran Brooks
Don Carnesi
Nancy Cheely
Rodney Chenault
Susan Cullen
Marianne Donahue
Sue Farrell
Eleanor Goode
Cheryl Hamm
Katherine Hawks
Jody Korman
John Krug
Liz Moore
Curt Reichstetter
Heather Reichstetter
Christina Royal
Dianne Stanley
Bill Wagner
Long & Foster REALTORS®
Barton Real Estate Services
Hometown Realty
Joyner Fine Properties
Joyner Fine Properties
Joyner Fine Properties
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Long & Foster REALTORS®
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Joyner Fine Properties
Town & Country Sales and Management
Long & Foster REALTORS®
RE/MAX Commonwealth
VA Properties Long & Foster
RE/MAX Signature
Joyner Fine Properties
American Home Shield
Signature Property Management
Joyner Fine Properties
Metropolitan Real Estate Inc
Liz Moore & Associates
Hometown Realty
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CONTINUING EDUCATION
!
CE CLASS OFFERINGS
2018
ed ucat i o n
To register, visit RARealtors.com/education. For more information call 804.422.5000 or email edu@RARealtors.com.
SAVE THE DATES
for March Madness and Summer Camp $25 Education Weeks—featuring 5 unique classes offering up to 10 hours of CE credit.
MARCH MADNESS
MARCH 12-16 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM REALTOR® SUMMER CAMP: WEEK 1
NEW NAR BIENNIAL CODE OF ETHICS TRAINING REQUIREMENT All REALTORS® are now required to complete an NAR approved Code of Ethics course every two years. The first biennial period ends December 31, 2018. This mandatory membership obligation can be satisfied by completing any one of the following between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018:
» RAR 16 Hour CE course » RAR New Member Orientation » RAR Code of Ethics Course
(Free to all members and includes 3 hours Ethics CE)
JULY 16-20 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM AND 1:00PM – 3:00PM
» RAR online Code of Ethics Course offered through
REALTOR® SUMMER CAMP: WEEK 2
» NAR online Ethics course (Free to all members) » NAR approved Code of Ethics course offered by
AUGUST 6-10 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM AND 1:00PM – 3:00PM
The CE Shop
a third party provider
REALTORS® who do not satisfy this requirement prior to December 31, 2018 may lose their REALTOR® membership and incur rejoining fees. Don’t wait until the last minute. You may register for a free RAR free ethics training course on the RAR website RARealtors.com/education. For any questions, call 804.422.5000.
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m l s p ro d uct s and ser vi ces
MLS USER PRODUCTS & SERVICES ePropertyExtra ePropertyExtra is an innovative drip marketing and discount shopping platform. It helps homeowners save money on household purchases, and helps real estate professionals build lasting relationships through regular contact.
» Extensive network of national and local merchants » Exclusive “by-invitation” access to pricing discounts » Branded to the sponsoring real estate professional » Private, secure web-based shopping portal
» Recipients control the frequency of Email Special Offers » Reward points accumulate for each purchase made » No start-up fees or ongoing costs
Homesnap Homesnap combines agent-only MLS data with a mobile app, arming real estate professionals with the power of their MLS while they are in the field. Homesnap provides an unprecedented amount of realtime information to agents on the go, giving them the flexibility to research homes, interact with each other, and collaborate with clients from their mobile devices. Agents and consumers can use the same platform to seamlessly share real estate information and communicate directly. Some of the features of Homesnap include:
» Real-time access to agent-only MLS information » Information about any home (whether or not for sale),
» »
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such as value, last sale date and price, listing history, “birds’ eye” lot boundaries, similar active listings, recent sales comps, and local schools Instant Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) generation right from the smartphone Safety timer that alerts designated contacts in an emergency
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» Complete details on every agent in the area, including a » » » » »
portfolio of recent sales and an analysis of sales history (price reduction, days on market) Overlay of property lines while walking the property School district boundaries plotted One-tap messaging with clients and other agents Customized email marketing to clients and contacts Add on services available for automated social media advertising (Homesnap Pro)
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Instanet Solutions: Authentisign, DocBox2Go & TransactionDesk Instanet Solutions is an online service that allows members to access all the forms and documents needed for listing and selling real state and processing real estate transactions. All forms can easily be completed on line, printed, saved, emailed, etc. Instanet tracks document changes, allows a variety of customization options, and even allows agents to combine documents into transaction groups and work with all the documents in a transaction simultaneously. DocBox provides unlimited online storage and document management, thereby providing a significant cost savings to brokers and agents. Authentisign provides electronic signature functionality for the complete online and paperless transaction. Company documents and logos can also be added to the extensive library of RAR, CVR MLS and VAR documents already available. A mobile part of the Instanet Solutions suite of document and transaction management and online storage tools, DocBox 2 Go allows members to access their Instanet™ based documents from any mobile device. Depending on the device’s capability, members can access and distribute via email contracts, listing agreements, etc., to anyone from anywhere.
Instanet Solutions: TransactionDesk App You can use the TransactionDesk® App on your iPhone or iPad to:
» Start and manage your listing, sales, and lease transactions. » Communicate with your clients and company. » Share documents and forms with your clients. » Prepare and send documents, forms, contracts, etc., to be Esigned using Authentisign.
» Create, fill, and manage all of your real estate forms. » Use the automated checklists to track action items. » Includes a full featured document editor with markup and edit functionality.
» Access and use documents directly from your iPad or iPhone by using the “open in” feature on your device.
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m l s p ro d uct s and ser vi ces
Internet Data Exchange (IDX) This program was introduced in 2001, and can benefit a broker in two ways. First, by joining the program, a broker is giving permission for his or her active for sale listings to be displayed on any IDX web site hosted by another broker or agent. Thus the broker’s listings are advertised with a much wider reach. Secondly, an IDX listing search can be placed on a broker or agent web site which will allow a visitor to both search the active IDX listings belonging to the website’s broker, and search the listings of other brokers who have also signed up for the IDX program.
Listing Data Checker: Data Integrity The CVR MLS system is one of the cleanest databases in the country. A reliable MLS database is defined by having an error level of 2.5% or less; the CVR MLS error level is less than 1%. One of the tools used to ensure that quality and integrity is the Listing Data Checker™. In real time, Listing Data Checker automatically scans listings that were just entered or modified for important information, missing information, and data errors. It also watches for information and time-frames that are either required or
prohibited by the CVR MLS Rules and Regulations. Listing Data Checker sends out courtesy notices to members to remind them of events, such as a listing expiring within the next ten days. With an average of 10,000 active listings in inventory, and a total of over 350,000 listing records, Listing Data Checker is a powerful tool to help maintain and ensure that the CVR MLS database is clean and reliable, and remains one of the most valuable tools members use to serve their clients.
MatrixTM MLS System First and foremost, CVR MLS members have access to the Matrix MLS system. Matrix is a dynamic, online database that allows brokers and agents to share listing information with the goal of co-operating in real estate transactions. It includes a wide range of servicing, research and marketing tools that enable members to meet the needs of their customers and clients in a powerful and professional way. Matrix is also browser independent, meaning it works with any available browser. Even better—Matrix is made to be mobile. Matrix works flawlessly with web enabled Smartphones or tablets. Matrix detects which device a member is utilizing and presents the member with a mobile interface to access the system. The complete Matrix interface is available from mobile devices as well.
MatrixTM Mobile The Matrix system can be accessed on any mobile device’s web browser. When doing so a user is automatically shown the mobile version of Matrix, with most, but not all, of the functionality of the Matrix system. The user can click on the link at the bottom right of the screen to bring up the full Matrix system.
Public Open House Display All CVR MLS users have the option to attach open house information to their listings under Add/Edit as a Public Open House. That information is then sent the next morning to Richmond.com/realestate, where it can be seen by the public under the Public Open Houses menu. There is no cost for this service. The Open House listings are also part of the data that ListHub sends to the various websites chosen by a firm’s broker.
rbiSTATS A supplemental statistics tool called rbiSTATS makes it possible for members to quickly and easily share local market data with clients through charts, graphs and metrics. The CVR MLS rbiSTATS page provides an intuitive and user-friendly market snapshot, as well as an online visualization of a variety of market trends. 24
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Realist Tax System Realist™ is integrated into the CVR MLS system and provides members with access to the tax records of forty-nine jurisdictions. The records include property information; taxes and assessments; sale history; and more. The Realist™ system also includes parcel maps, street maps, and even flood maps in some areas. With many overlays, including market trends and sales histories, searches and reports can be customized to the user’s needs and preferences, making it a truly robust research and marketing tool.
RVA Homes RVA Homes™ is our other mobile app serving Central Virginia with listings. CVR MLS members can brand this app and provide it to their clients, enabling their clients to run searches, view fields of data (including all photos) locate nearby listings, and much more.
ShowingTime for the MLS CVR MLS has made it easy for members to show and sell listings by adding ShowingTime’s MLS-integrated online scheduling and feedback system. It reduces scheduling issues by simplifying the showing request and confirmation process, enabling members to work efficiently while on the go. The system includes a ShowingCart, enabling members to schedule multiple showings quickly while automatically mapping a Buyer’s Tour which can be easily accessed through the ShowingTime Mobile App. Benefits for Showing Agents: Benefits for Listing Agents and Offices: » Point and click/tap to request showings 24/7 » Generate showing requests 24/7 » Eliminate repetitive calls from agents checking availability » Control your showing schedule » Eliminate surprises by reviewing showing instructions » Automatically notify sellers about showings, feedback » Communicate more efficiently with listing agents and office
RE/Stats Navigator The RE Stats Market Trends Dashboard offers comprehensive market summary information within seconds and is displayed in four sections: Market Distribution, Market Metrics, Market Summary, and Market Dynamics information. There are three, powerful analytic and reporting tools: Market Trends, Inventory Analyzer and the Trend Analyzer. The Inventory Analysis Dashboard provides a general look at each status within a sales cycle on a monthly and yearly basis, and displays the information by inventory metrics, inventory trends, and comparative trends. Also included is the Market Trends Analyzer, which provides a graphical display to help the user understand current market conditions based on closed listings, and includes a key metrics summary, market trends graphs and comparable analysis. With the RE Stats software, members can make their searches as simple or as detailed as they wish. Searches can be saved or used to create custom reports online.
Supra™ eKey The Supra™ eKey allows members to use their SmartPhone as their Lockbox key. Members can access lockboxes for showings, view and receive feedback, track showings, program access hours, set CBS codes, and more.
Supra™ Lockbox and ActiveKey The lockbox system currently available to CVR MLS members from Supra™ is more than just a keybox. It allows members to track their lockbox-based showings from the Supraekey.com website, and also within their listings in the MLS system. This may be the best tool available to track listing activity, while also demonstrating the response of the marketplace to an available listing. The lockbox key updates wirelessly to ensure that it is always available. RAREALTORS.COM
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m l s p ro d uct s and ser vi ces
MLS BROKER PRODUCTS & SERVICES Broker Export Program
ListHub
The Broker Export program enables any broker to have his or her listings sent to any third party, whether it is for a scheduling service, or a vendor who will format the listings for placement on the broker’s web site, or any other reason that a broker may wish to use their listings. Any listing status can be transmitted, but only those listings belonging to the brokerage are eligible for this program.
ListHub™ is a listing syndication service for CVR MLS brokers. By creating a basic account on www.listhub.net, a broker can direct ListHub to send their listing data daily to any of over 80 websites. This basic level of service is free. If site traffic tracking details are desired, brokers can purchase this upgrade through ListHub™.
RatePlug With RatePlug, brokers can now deliver interactive, real-time mortgage programs as well as payment and qualifying information to clients right from within a listing in the MLS. Brokers can market affiliated lenders to more clients by using this CVR MLS member benefit; enhance listings with mortgage payment information; provide homebuyers seeking financing options with a one-stop-shop approach; promote affiliated mortgage entities or display up to three preferred lenders of choice. RatePlug is provided at no additional cost to brokers, but please note that lenders must pay a license fee to participate.
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