Virginia REALTOR Magazine. Winter 2017

Virginia REALTOR

ÂŽ

The magazine for Virginia’s real estate professionals

Winter 2017

magazine INSIDE Stronger Together 6 Take the Lead 12 Lessons Learned 22

Take the Lead

July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017

CONGRATULATIONS to VHDA’s 2017 Top Producing Loan Officers 100+

+

- 99

30 - 49 Loans

GOLD CIRCLE

SILVER

15 – 19 Loans

BRONZE CIRCLE

These loan officers have helped the most first-time homebuyers obtain an affordable VHDA loan to buy their first home.

See our full list of Top Producing Loan Officers at:

vhda.com/FindALender

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Joy, not a job.

I got asked recently by someone I just met: “What’s your job?” I started to answer with my standard “I’m a real estate broker,” but the sentence got caught before it ever fell out of my mouth. Instead, I answered that “I have joy, not a job”. Because I am in real estate.

Jay Mitchell 2018 President Virginia REALTORS®

Yes, I had another career, and it was a joy… until it wasn’t. When it became a job, I knew it was time to muster out and get into what I really wanted to do: real estate. It only took me 24 years to figure it out.

In the meantime, I had a wonderful ride through a fascinating media career. I got to meet lots of people on the best day of their life, some on the worst day of their life, and some on the last day of their life. I was in all types of situations and in all types of places.

What we do isn’t easy: emotions, last minute changes, dueling egos. All of those things can get in the way if we let them. Yet overall, we are some of the most fortunate people on the planet—we get to help people make good decisions, and really, nothing is more rewarding.

It is time for us now to “Take the Lead!” and grow our business to new levels. We are in the process of revising and rebuilding our Virginia REALTORS® Strategic Plan. The project is nearly complete, and it will be a dynamic plan designed to lead us many years into the future, with the ability to pivot and change as our business requires. Part of shaping the future of real estate is making sure we can anticipate and adapt, grow and thrive. We must “Take the Lead!”

Every day, our focus must be on business. The goals we are setting will all revolve around finding new ways to drive our real estate business across the state. To do that, we must

always have REALTORS® with a seat at the table when it comes to economic policy and growth.

When a city, a county, or the state is wooing business, we want to make sure we have a voice. Who better than REALTORS® to make things happen for businesses that will move people in or add people to their work force? Our reach must be local, regional, statewide, and international. To that end, expect our Strategic Plan to be a bold plan, making sure our seat at the table keeps us from being on the menu.

Our Virginia REALTORS® Advocacy team is second to none. Anywhere. Really. The strength of that team can help propel us to being the source of great information and connections, wherever we serve and wherever we go. Look for us to use our connections and our knowledge to get in front of all the decision makers and legislators and everyone who might buy or sell a house, so that they all know we are THE trusted people to turn to for real estate information in the Commonwealth.

It is important for all of you across the state to give us your ideas, big or small. I’ve asked you all to “Take the Lead!” in 2018. We need to hear what you need, what you want, what you dream of! Let us know! We are in the business of making business happen, not finding ways to avoid it. Look for a suggestion box to be available for you, but you don’t have to wait for that. Call. Write. Text. Email. Send a carrier pigeon. Let us know! Sure, it is more work.

For all of us. But it will pay off as we shape the future of real estate the Virginia REALTORS® way.

I am honored beyond imagination to be able to serve this outstanding organization of 33,684 members. Join me as we “Take The Lead” in shaping the future of real estate.

VIRGINIA REALTOR® MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

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contents 3 6 8

4

President’s Letter Stronger Together Market Notes

12 14 18

VIRGINIA REALTOR® MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

Take the Lead Awardees Laws and Legislation

20 22 26

Forms Factor Lessons Learned CEO’s Letter

Virginia REALTOR Magazine

®

Published by the Virginia REALTORS® Shaping the future of real estate.

Virginia REALTORS® 10231 Telegraph Road Glen Allen, Virginia 23059 General Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Telephone: 804.264.5033 The mission of the Virginia REALTORS® is to enhance members’ ability to achieve business success. Virginia REALTOR® Magazine (ISSN#10888721) is published by the Virginia REALTORS®, 10231 Telegraph Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059-4578; (804) 264-5033. Virginia REALTORS® members’ annual dues include a subscription to Virginia REALTOR® Magazine. Periodicals postage paid at the Glen Allen, Virginia, post office and additional mailing offices USPS Per. #9604.

Postmaster: send address changes to: Virginia REALTOR® Magazine, 10231 Telegraph Road, Glen Allen, Virginia 23059 Custom design services provided by Polychrome Collective Virginia REALTOR® magazine by the Virginia REALTORS® is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs 3.0 Unported License.

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HURRICANE CONTRIBUTIONS

Stronger Together

by Robin Spensieri, Virginia REALTORS® Communications Director Hurricane Harvey was the first major hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. since 2005. When the Category 4 storm reached southern Texas on August 25, 2017, it brought catastrophic flooding, damaging nearly 50,000 homes and leaving more than 30,000 people displaced. Before making its way back out to sea, Harvey dropped up to four feet of rain in parts of Louisiana, forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes.

In the wake of the storm, the nation watched as the news reports announced ever-increasing amounts of loss and devastation. In response, REALTORS® across Virginia leapt into action, collecting supplies and donating significant funding to help those in need.

23 local associations joined the Virginia REALTORS® in donating upwards of $43,000 to the Texas Association of REALTORS® Relief Fund, which was created to help people who have suffered losses due to natural disasters in Texas.

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This fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and one hundred percent of all donations go directly to the victims.

Virginia REALTORS® stepped up to assist victims in Texas, Florida, and other southern states as natural disasters devastated their homes and communities.

In the wake of Harvey, Irma, and ensuing weather effects, the Virginia REALTORS® took action to open new avenues for giving back to the community and supporting peers around the nation. On October 5, 2017, the Virginia REALTORS® Board of Directors voted to establish a 501(c)(3) in order to coordinate charitable industry contributions, particularly in the event of a natural disaster.

The REALTOR® community prides itself on its commitment to giving back, and we commend those who contributed to those impacted by the storms. When we join hands to help others, we are stronger together.

COMMONWEALTH | WINTER 2017

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MARKET NOTES

Economic Update

by Jenny Wortham Palmer, Virginia REALTORS® Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Relations Earlier this year, the Virginia REALTORS® engaged an academic partner to explore just how significant the impact of our industry is to the state’s economy.

Modeling the research on the housing report that was commissioned by Governor McAuliffe’s Housing Policy Advisory Council, the economists at the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University dug deeper into the real estate industry as a whole, encompassing housing, commercial and industrial and land transactions. Their findings turned out to be BIG. The real estate industry in Virginia created more than $67 billion in economic activity in 2016, increasing gross state product by $36 billion and supporting over 445,000 jobs. Those jobs contributed more than $20 billion to labor income. What does all of that mean? It means that the real estate industry is one of the largest sectors of Virginia’s economy. It means that your work contributes to our state’s economic performance. It means that

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when we talk to lawmakers about what matters to you, they’ll know that we are one of the biggest forces in Virginia.

The real estate industry touches individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Commonwealth. For every home that is sold and bought, there are dollars spent on professional services, retail, transportation, and infrastructure. Those transactions also create tax revenue that state and local governments reinvest in roads, schools, and public services for the benefit of our communities. It goes beyond housing, though. Buying, selling, and leasing commercial property, developing commercial property, and land sales contribute in the same ways. What’s more? All of that activity supports jobs.

Our thriving industry helps Virginia’s entire economy and your work builds a better Commonwealth.

COULD RADON IMPACT YOUR SALES? The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) can answer all your questions. In addition, our staff can provide free radon training courses specifically designed for Realtors.

The courses are VAR approved and available in one hour (1 CE) and two hour (2 CE) versions. Classes will be scheduled on a first come-first served basis and a minimum of 15 students per class is required. Trained VDH staff will teach the courses on-site at any location within the Commonwealth. Please be aware that class starting times may be dependent upon travel and traffic considerations. If you are unable to arrange for a full class, a 40 minute VDH radon webinar is available for download on the VAR website.

For more information on radon, please contact: Ryan Paris - Radon Coordinator Virginia Department of Health - Office of Radiological Health Phone: 804-864-8150 E-mail: ryan.paris@vdh.virginia.gov Toll-free in VA: 800-468-0138 Visit the Indoor Radon Program web page at www.vdh.virginia.gov

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At Family Reunion 2017, the Keller Williams International Associate Leadership Council (IALC) voted to approve two additions to the company’s mission statement: Careers Worth Having, Businesses Worth Owning, Lives Worth Living,

Experiences Worth Having, and Legacies Worth Leaving!

Keller Williams Associates are living this mission and creating huge lives for generations to come.

The Belt family of McLean Va. has been doing just this and setting an example for others to follow.

Gail Belt started her Real estate business in the 60’s and her son, Terry and daughter Christie have continued to grow.

They are planning their children’s future as well as their parents’.

They came to Keller Williams because the company shared the values they were already living. Terry says “One of the great things the company offers is profit share so that our Mom could still earn while she entered a new chapter in her life.”

Terry and Christie utilize a host of tools KW offers to get real about their business and be more Gail Belt, Terry Belt, Jerry Belt and Christie Belt-Grossman profitable. Christy said she couldn’t believe the culture was real until her Dad got ill and everyone stepped in to help. She said, “Its like having an extended family.”

If you’re interested in learning how you can be a part of our exponential growth as an owner or an agent, contact us at the Virginia Region and find out if Keller Williams is right for you!

CALL OR EMAIL YOUR CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRY TODAY! KW Virginia/West Virginia Region 703.335.8000 | region12@kellerwilliamsva.com Alexandria/Kingstowne, Alexandria/Old Town, Arlington, Chantilly, Charlottesville, Chesapeake/Greenbrier, Chesapeake/Western Branch, Dulles, Fairfax, Capital , Fairfax Gateway, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Great Falls, Lake Ridge, Leesburg, Loudoun Gateway, Lynchburg, Manassas, Martinsburg, McLean, Midlothian, Newport News, Reston/Herndon, Richmond West, Stafford, Springfield Tysons/Vienna, Virginia Beach/Hilltop, Virginia Beach/Town Center, Williamsburg, Winchester Each Keller Williams ® Realty Office is independently owned and operated. | If you are currently a franchise owner, this is not intended to be a solicitation

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Lead Take the

Get to Know Jay Mitchell, Virginia REALTORS®’ 2018 President

by Robin Spensieri, Virginia REALTORS® Communications Director What does it mean to lead? Consulting a dictionary offers a simplistic definition: lead “to go before or with to show the way; to influence or induce” While it may be simple to define the term, the challenge lies in discovering how to lead.

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When Jay Mitchell began brainstorming his presidential theme for 2018, his goal was to select something that could be advanced from year-to-year, rather than fading away at the end of his presidency. With this in mind, he reflected on the charge issued by 2017 President Claire Forcier-Rowe, encouraging REALTORS® to “Be the One!” To build on her idea

of being the one who does whatever it takes to impact the industry, Jay decided that for 2018, members could aspire to “Be the One to Take the Lead!”

Perhaps you don’t consider yourself to be a natural leader; maybe you enjoy following under the direction of dynamic leaders, but you’ve never sought a position of leadership yourself. Jay would insist that YOU are exactly who he hopes will be most impacted by this year’s theme. He acknowledges that being a leader isn’t always easy, explaining, “In order to Take the Lead, we have to make ourselves uncomfortable.

Nothing happens if we sit back and don’t do anything, even though that might be the most comfortable way to live life.

Setting stretch goals and doing things that are not easy and not the norm is what moves us forward.”

According to Jay, the theme of “Take the Lead” can be applied to all aspects of real estate. REALTORS® must Take the Lead to help those in need of real estate services, to serve as community leaders, and to help drive business to our cities, towns, and our state. Jay encourages members to seek business from new places, including international connections, to help shape the future of real estate in Virginia.

Jay’s interest in challenging oneself to develop leadership skills began over 37 years ago, when he worked for the fledgling Cable News Network (more commonly known as CNN). While at CNN, he acquired a copy of Ted Turner’s much talked about book, Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way. Jay summarizes the valuable lesson he took away from this book, saying, “If we don’t Take the Lead, we don’t make progress. If we are not uncomfortable, we are not moving forward.”

he accomplished a great deal. He was named Rookie of the Year by both GSH Real Estate (now Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Towne Realty) and the Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association. In 2016, HRRA selected Jay as Broker/Manager of the Year. He led the National Association of REALTORS® Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) team for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine in 2016, and he served as the Virginia REALTORS® FPC for former congressman Glenn Nye. In addition, he’s on the FPC team for Congressman Bobby Scott. He holds ten real estate designations, including the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) and the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, the highest credential awarded to residential sales agents, managers, and brokers.

Jay has served as chair of the Virginia REALTORS® Strategic Planning Committee, Public Policy Committee, and Legislative Bill Review Committee. In 2009, he graduated from the Virginia REALTORS® Leadership Academy. He is a former chair of the RPAC Trustees, and he has served on the Virginia REALTORS® Board of Directors since 2013.

Jay’s resolve to honor the REALTORS® commitment to service is evident in his extensive community involvement. He is active with Rotary International, where he is a Paul Harris Fellow and has served three terms as local club president.

He also volunteers his services to numerous local non-profit organizations, including Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR), Virginia Chorale, and the Talbot Park Civic Lead.

While leading by example, Jay encourages you to find opportunities to Take the Lead. As Jay reminds us, “This has to be on the local and state level, so that we always have input to help drive business to our communities and our state. The more business we bring into each area, the more our business as Virginia REALTORS® will grow.”

Jay Mitchell has certainly lived by this philosophy. After a successful 24-year career in television news, Jay decided to take a risk, exit his comfort zone, and begin a career in a new industry: real estate. His ambition quickly paid off, and Jay found himself in the most rewarding career of his life.

Though new to the industry, Jay decided to Take the Lead, learning as much as he could and taking on as many new opportunities as possible. Through this spirit of leadership,

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AWARDEES

2017 Virginia REALTORS Award Winners 速

Virginia REALTOR速 of the Year Pat Sury Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS速

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Virginia REALTORS Hall of Fame ®

In Memoriam Joe Carney Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Lynn Grimsley Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Pat Jensen Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS®

Code of Ethics Leadership Award

Virginia Manager of the Year, sponsored by Pearl Insurance

George Rink Outstanding Educator of the Year

Rives Bailey Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS®

Dawn Bradley Richmond Association of REALTORS®

Cindy Stackhouse Prince William Association of REALTORS®

Certified Residential Specialist of the Year

Women’s Council of REALTORS State Member of the Year

VHDA Service to Virginia Award

Kim Atkinson Richmond Association of REALTORS®

Regina Scott Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Libby Gatewood Richmond Association of REALTORS®

®

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#VirginiaREALTORS

LAWS AND LEGISLATION

Foreclosure of Leased Properties

by Erin Barton, Virginia REALTORSÂŽ Associate General Counsel The foreclosure process is often a complicated and overwhelming time for a homeowner. But when the property that is being foreclosed upon is a rental property, the Property Manager and the Tenant are affected as well.

The Tenant is often left wondering if he will have to move, while the Property Manager is trying to figure out if he is still managing the property and for whom. In July 2017, several changes were made to Virginia law to try and lessen this confusion and provide some protection for the affected parties.

The law requires a Property Manager who receives notice of mortgage default, foreclosure, or similar notice from a lender affecting the rental property, to deliver notice to the Tenant within five business days of receipt, unless the managing agent never received a copy of the written notice or the Tenant was already notified. Many property management agreements place the obligation of notifying the Tenant on the Property Manager as well. If proper notice is not given, the Tenant has the right to terminate the rental agreement with written notice to the Landlord at least five business days prior to the effective date of termination.

If at the date of the foreclosure sale there is still a Tenant living in the rental unit, the foreclosure acts as a termination of the rental agreement by the Landlord. However, the law now provides that a Tenant may remain in possession of the rental unit as a month-to-month Tenant, on the same terms of the terminated rental agreement, until the new Owner

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gives notice of termination or offers to sign a new rental agreement. If the new Owner chooses to terminate, notice must be given to the Tenant in accordance with the terms of the original rental agreement. This change allows a Tenant who is paying rent and wishes to remain in the property the ability to do so. All of the terms of the terminated rental agreement remain in effect, except that the Tenant must make rental payments to the new Owner (as directed in a written notice), to the managing agent, or into a court escrow account.

If a Property Manager is holding escrow funds for an Owner of a property that is foreclosed upon, he has the right to file an interpleader action if there is any confusion over how to disburse those funds. The escrow funds should not be transferred to the original Owner of the property who was foreclosed upon. If the Tenant has decided to stay in the property, the Property Manager may continue to collect rent and deposit it into the escrow account by the end of the fifth business banking day. The Property Manager should also continue to hold the security deposit until the termination of the tenancy and then return any security deposit and accrued interest, if applicable, to the Tenant. The Property Manager can, of course, still make deductions from the security deposit in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

If at the date of the foreclosure sale, there is a property management agreement in place for a property that is foreclosed upon, this agreement also now converts to a month-to-month agreement between the new Owner and the Property Manager, except in the event that the terms of the original property management agreement require an earlier termination date. This may come up if the original property management agreement had language to the effect that a foreclosure sale acted as an immediate termination of the agreement. The Property Manager can enter into a new property management agreement with the new Owner, but if not, the terms of the original agreement will govern the month-to-month agreement. This month-to-month property management agreement may be terminated by either party by providing written notice to the other party at least 30 days prior to the intended termination date.

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FORMS FACTOR

Let it go!

Can’t hold the EMD back anymore!

27. DEFAULT: If Seller or Purchaser defaults under this Contract, the defaulting party, in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity, shall be liable for the brokerage fee referenced in paragraph 11 hereof as if this Contract had been performed and for any damages and all expenses incurred by non-defaulting party, Listing Company, and Selling Company in connection with this transaction and the enforcement of this Contract, including, without limitation attorneys’ fees and costs, if any. Payment of a real estate broker’s fee as the result of a transaction relating to the property which occurs subsequent to a default under this Contract shall not relieve the defaulting party of liability for the fee of Listing Company in this transaction and for any damages and expenses incurred by the non-defaulting party, Listing Company, and Selling Company in connection with this transaction. In any action brought by Seller, Purchaser, Listing Company, or Selling Company under this Contract or growing out of the transactions contemplated herein, including, without limitation, a suit to secure the release of any earnest money deposit that the other principal to the transaction has refused to authorize, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled to receive from the non-prevailing party or parties, jointly and severally, in addition to any other damages or awards, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs expended or incurred in prosecuting or defending such action.

Seller and Purchaser acknowledge and agree that Listing Company and Selling Company are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Contract as to any commissions due them as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Contract.

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by Laura Farley General Counsel, Virginia REALTORS® Many agents find themselves between a rock and a hard place when a contract falls apart. Sellers often understand that they are likely not entitled to the earnest money deposit (EMD) if the buyer terminates under a contingency, but that doesn’t mean they are ready to put their John Hancock on a release. We’ve heard various permutations on the legal hotline from “What are they going to do, sue me?” to “I know the money’s not mine, but it will go back to the buyer over my cold dead body!” So, what should you, as an agent, do to protect and promote the interest of your client?

First, you should review the contract with your client. Most contracts, like the Virginia REALTORS® Residential Contract of Purchase (Form 600) contain provisions governing the release of the EMD and attorney’s fees. The Virginia REALTORS® language says that if a seller refuses to sign a release, and a court determines that they should have, the seller will be liable for any damages, attorney’s fees, and other costs incurred by the buyer in obtaining that release.

One example of when a seller must sign a release is found in the POA paragraph, which says “Such cancellation shall be without penalty, and the Seller shall cause any deposit to be returned promptly to the Purchaser.”

Point out language like this to the seller and remind them that, should a court find that they should have signed the release, not only will the seller not be getting any part of the EMD, failing to sign may cost them money by way of attorney’s fees or court costs. If your client still refuses to sign a release, encourage them to contact an attorney who can review their legal rights and obligations under the contract with them.

If you are the escrow agent holding the EMD, remember that it could be easily argued that a seller refusing to sign a release is the same as objecting to the broker 30-day letter allowed under the statute, and you should talk to an attorney before pursuing this method of releasing the EMD.

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LESSONS LEARNED

Lessons

advertisements gone wrong

by Cate Oroszlan Staff Counsel, Virginia REALTORS®

CASE STUDY 1 THE SITUATION On May 31, 2016, the Smiths, as landlords, entered into a Residential Lease with Mr. and Mrs. Feathermen, as tenants, for a property in Richmond, Virginia. The lease was for a three-year term starting June 15, 2016 through June 15, 2019.

The lease prohibited the Feathermens from subletting or assigning their rights under the lease without the prior written consent of the Smiths.

In January of 2017, the Feathermens sought to get out of the lease early. Mrs. Feathermen approached the Smiths to discuss finding a new tenant, and, as a real estate licensee, offered to list the property to help them find a new tenant.

The Smiths declined Mrs. Feathermen’s offer to advertise the property.

On February 2 and 3, 2017, Mrs. Feathermen forwarded contact information for three potential tenants to the Smiths. The Smiths wondered how Mrs. Feathermen was generating interest in the property and reported her to the Virginia Real Estate Board.

THE INVESTIGATION Investigators learned that the property was advertised on multiple websites. The number in the advertisements for potential tenants to call belonged to Mr. Feathermen, who

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was not a real estate licensee.

Mrs. Feathermen claimed that her husband placed the advertisement for the subject property. She also acknowledged that she was aware of the advertisement because she spoke to the individuals who called about the property. In addition, when asked by an investigator whether she knew in advance that her husband was going to put the advertisement on the website, Mrs. Feathermen admitted that they had discussed it and stated, “It was simply their intention to find a new tenant.”

THE RESULT The Board determined that Mrs. Feathermen failed to obtain the written consent of the landlord prior to advertising a specific identifiable property in accordance with the Virginia regulations.

The Board required Mrs. Feathermen to complete two classroom hours of continuing education pertaining to Ethics and Standards of Conduct and issued a fine of $400.

s Learned CASE STUDY 2 THE SITUATION Between March 1, 2016, and May 9, 2016, Amanda Nicks, a licensed real estate salesperson in Virginia, requested approximately 19 advertisements to be posted, listing properties for rent or for sale at www.salesandrent.net.

On March 3, 2016, an advertisement was posted at www.salesandrent.net that stated, “Selling a Two Bedroom Unit? I Am Looking For A Unit, Prefer One Which Is Not Renovated, If Possible, Please Call 432-123-4444.”

On March 6, 2016, Ms. Nicks submitted a request to the staff at Sales and Rent, Inc. to renew all the advertisements from the last week under phone number 432-123-4444.

On March 26, 2016, the Virginia Real Estate Board received an anonymous written complaint regarding Ms. Nicks.

During an interview with the Assistant Manager of Sales and Rent, Inc., the Investigator learned that Ms. Nicks made additional advertisement requests on May 5, 2016 and June 8, 2016 that did not contain the city and state in which Ms. Nicks’ office is located or the jurisdiction in which she holds a license.

THE RESULT The Board determined Ms. Nicks failed to include the proper disclosures in her online advertisements.

The Board placed Ms. Nicks on probation until she completed three hours of continuing education pertaining to ethics, and three hours of continuing education pertaining to legal updates and emerging trends. The Board also issued a fine of $1,000.

THE INVESTIGATION On April 28, 2016, the Investigator sent Ms. Nicks an email that explained the required disclosures for online advertisements.

Ms. Nicks failed to disclose her name, the name of the firm with which she was active, the city and state in which her office was located, and the jurisdiction in which she held a license in any of the advertisements she placed at www. salesandrent.net.

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2018 Advocacy and Economic Summit February 13-15, 2018 Omni Hotel, Downtown Richmond Are you passionate about your bottom line? Then join hundreds of REALTORS® for the flagship Virginia REALTORS® advocacy event. The Advocacy and Economic Summit is not only an education and awards summit, but the chance to engage Virginia lawmakers directly on issues that affect your business and clients. This year’s program includes keynotes from nationally renowned political pundits, our national economist, and recognition of RPAC achievements.

This year’s event features renowned author, professor, and CNN Presidential Historian Doug Brinkley.

VIRGINIA REALTOR® MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

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HEADQUARTERS

From the CEO’s Desk What a year it’s been for Virginia REALTORS®!

Throughout 2017, we’ve introduced new resources and benefits, and we’ve unveiled a new culture alongside a new brand. Our culture has always been about YOU. The work that we do here is about making sure that business opportunities exist for you and that housing opportunities exist for your clients. Every one of the Virginia REALTORS® staff is passionate about your success and about Virginia communities. We truly love what we do!

Looking ahead to 2018 and a new board year, we are excited to add even more energy and innovation to our work. We are taking new strides in advocacy – making sure that lawmakers know the magnitude of your economic impact and that our industry has a strong voice in the conversation about Virginia’s future. We are making that voice ever-stronger through valuable market research and by adding to the resources that help you succeed in business and ensure the public’s understanding of YOUR expertise. It’s our priority to make sure that consumers connect ‘REALTOR®’ with the highest level of professionalism and knowledge. Whether they are voting on a law that may affect how you work, whether they are listing a home with you, or whether they are relying on you to guide them through the biggest purchase of their lives, consumers need to know that YOU are indisputably the best in real estate.

So, this year, we will build on the success of the past to reach new heights. We are exploring new ideas, pursuing big goals, and creating greater impact. We are proud to Take the Lead in real estate and in our great Commonwealth. Cheers to the future!

Terrie Suit CEO Virginia REALTORS®

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VIRGINIA REALTOR® MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

Contact the Virginia REALTORS

®

2018 Leadership Team

We’re online at www.virginiarealtors.org

Jay Mitchell President Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Towne Realty, Virginia Beach jay.mitchell@BHHSTowne.com 757.422.2200

Virginia REALTORS®: The Blog can be found at virginiarealtors.org/blog

Beckwith Bolle President-Elect Carter Braxton Preferred Properties, Leesburg beckwith@carterbraxtonproperties.com 703.777.7772

For membership, site log-in, and dues questions: Ask for Amy Hafer, Director of Business Systems ahafer@virginiarealtors.org | 804.249.5725

Kemper Funkhouser Vice President Funkhouser Real Estate Group, Harrisonburg kemper@funkhousergroup.com 540.434.2400 Pat Sury Treasurer Montague Miller & Company, Westfield, Charlottesville sury@ntelos.net 434.973.5393 Claire Forcier-Rowe Immediate Past President Long and Foster Real Estate, Short Pump Sales, Richmond claire.forcier.rowe@gmail.com 804.360.3636 Terrie Suit Chief Executive Officer Virginia REALTORS® tsuit@virginiarealtors.org 804.264.5033

If you have questions, we’re ready to help.

Our office can be reached at (804) 264-5033.

Hours of operation are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

For questions about professional standards and Code of Ethics: Contact our Legal Department at ProStandards@virginiarealtors.org For questions or comments related to our magazine or website: Contact Jenny Wortham Palmer, Senior Vice President of Communications & Public Relations jpalmer@virginiarealtors.org | 804.262.3755 If you’d like to have someone speak at your association or brokerage: Ask for Lynne Wherry, Director of Association Relations lwherry@virginiarealtors.org | 804.249.5711 To find out more about conferences, seminars, and professional education: Ask for Lili Paulk, Director of Conference Education lpaulk@virginiarealtors.org | 804.249.5704 For information about RPAC: Ask for Kathy Felton, Director of RPAC Development kfelton@virginiarealtors.org | 804.622.7950

VIRGINIA REALTOR® MAGAZINE

| WINTER 2017

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