DAAR - CEO Blog

August 21, 2010 comment now

In its Summer 2010 newsletter, the Virginia Real Estate Board announced that it has authorized DPOR's Compliance and Investigations Division (CID) to begin random inspections of real estate firms in Virginia. (see announcement).

While the primary purpose of the inspections is to check the status of escrow funds being held, verify licenses, and make sure financial records are in order, inspectors will also take the opportunity to make sure the firm is complying with all regulations.

Pole Dancing for Breast Cancer Research

August 19, 2010 comment now

DivaFit of Ashburn will Host its First Annual Fall Fundraiser For Breast Cancer Research

BOOMER POLE DANCING

(MUST BE A WOMAN AT LEAST 45 YEARS OLD TO PARTICIPATE)

WHEN: SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

WHAT TIME: 7:30 PM - 10 PM

WHERE: DIVAFIT IN ASHBURN, 20604 GORDON PARK SQUARE, SUITE 110, ASHBURN, JUST OFF ASHBURN ROAD.

Become a VA Certified Ethics Instructor

August 12, 2010 comment now

VAR is hosting a "Train the Trainer" session for members interested in becoming Certified Ethics Instructors. Restrictions are for two per association to keep the class managable. There is no charge for this opportunity, only a day of your time and a committment to help out DAAR by teaching one or two New Member Ethics Classes a year.Graduates of this program will join the impressive list of CE Instructors in DAAR. Kathy Jones, Dave McWatters, Bev O'Toole, Rick Cockrill, and I apologize if I missed someone, Contact me if you are interested. Date: August 26; Time:10AM - 4PM; Location: VAR Headquarters in Richmond.

NAR, others, attack private transfer fees

August 5, 2010 comment now

A group of organizations led by the National Association of Realtors is asking Congress to ban so-called "private transfer fees" that allow developers to collect money every time one of their homes is resold, typically, for the next 99 years.

NAR, the American Land Title Association, the Center for Responsible Lending and a number of other groups have formed The Coalition to Stop Wall Street Home Resale Fees.
They have sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, asking that the fees be outlawed.

New York-based Freehold Capital Partners is a leading proponent of the fees, arguing they will bring more investors into the property development arena. Opponents say the fees will cloud titles for generations and will become a disclosure issue for homebuyers.

Ironman to help fund a cure for cancer

August 3, 2010 comment now

Please support member Brian Jarvis in his Ironman quest to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. See the attached for information on his acheivements, plans, and progress, and make a contribution to help find a cure for this horrible desease.

FAQ's on credit and distressed sales from NAR

July 28, 2010 comment now

How long will a short sale stay on my credit report? How many points on the score will I lose if I declare bankruptcy? How long until I can get a government-insured loan if the bank forecloses on my home? You've probably heard some variation of these questions from your clients. If you've ever been unsure of how to answer, NAR has created two resources to help:

HVCC to expire under financial reform bill

July 27, 2010 comment now

FROM VAR
You may remember the HVCC image from the cover of the September/October 2009 issue of Commonwealth. As much as we like that cover and story, you can now forget all about them.

New appraisal independence standards will replace the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) within 90 days now that President Obama has signed the financial reform bill. According to HousingWire:

Cherry Blossom Walk Against Breast Cancer

July 23, 2010 comment now

DAAR members are invited to participate in the Leesburg or Middleburg Cherry Blossom Walk to fight Breast Cancer on October 10th. You can walk,run, or sleep-in with a donation, but either way you will be supporting the ongoing fight against Breast Cancer. See the attached flyer for complete information.

Volunteers Needed for Babe Ruth World Series

July 21, 2010 comment now

YES! Loudoun is hosting the Babe Ruth Worlds Series for 13-14 yr. olds. DAAR members have generously stepped up to the plate (no pun intended) and volunteered to help out with this great event in the past, and we anticipate this happening again.

DAAR Day at the World Series will be Monday, August 23rd. We will be assisting during two games, the 4:00 pm game will feature the Loudoun Team, and the 8:00 pm game will feature the Virginia Team, both of whom are invited since Loudoun is the host.

REALTORS® DENTAL INSURANCE

July 19, 2010 comment now

NEW! Announcing an exclusive member benefit available through
NAR's REALTOR Benefits® Program--
REALTORS® DENTAL INSURANCE

Marketing and Business Development is pleased to announce an exciting new benefit available exclusively to NAR members and REALTOR® Association staff-- REALTORS® Dental Insurance (RDI). This benefit is offered through NAR's REALTOR Benefits® Program in partnership with Ameritas Insurance Company and SASid (Smart And Simple insurance development).