Northern Virignia's Changing Landscape:
Today's Bumpy Roads Pave the Way for a Promising Future
Negotiating the terrain of a real estate transaction can keep Realtors® on their toes. This constant state of activity may mean that sales professionals are not on solid ground when it comes to understanding long-term trends that affect the local market. (Read more)
How Are Local Industry Leaders Responding to the Recession?
In December 2008, George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis surveyed a sample of area firms in the development and construction industries to assess how the recession is affecting their business, how they are responding to the challenges and how they perceive their outlook for the future. The survey included engineering, architecture, residential and commercial real estate development firms. The following is a summary of the responses to the confidential questionnaire from key executives with these firms. (Read more)
Right Time. Right Now –
NAR’s Initiative to Keep Realtors® Moving Forward
In mid-February, NAR CEO Dale Stinton hosted a WebEx conference to announce an exciting new development in services for members of the National Association of Realtors®. The initiative is geared to help members increase business and ease the burden of investing in career development when times are tough on cash flow. This unprecedented move on NAR’s part is a dramatic statement showing the commitment of the association to the success of each one of our 1.2 million members. (Read more)
Combination Boxes: Not the Lockbox of Choice
It has recently come to the attention of the Board of Directors that the use of combination boxes by members has reached epidemic proportions. To this end, we reprint this July/August 2008 Update Magazine Q&A with some enhancements to help our members understand the risks associated with the use of a combination box. (Read more)
Luis A. Lama and Karen Trainor Honored in Richmond
On February 12, 2009, former NVAR Chairman of the Board Luis A. Lama was recognized by the Virginia Housing Development Authority for his commitment to the minority citizens of Virginia. The VHDA Realtor® Service to Virginia Award was presented to Lama in Richmond at the Legislative Conference of the Virginia Association of Realtors®. (Read more)
Unlocking America’s Economy
The National Association of Realtors® expressed support of President Obama’s broadened focus of the nation’s economic recovery. His economic revitalization strategy stresses housing stability and fortifying health care, in addition to “restarting lending” and preventing foreclosures. (Read more)
HUD’s Changes to FHA Single-Family Loan Limits Announced
As a result of the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has published changes to FHA’s single-family loan limits. Given that most of the loan limits had been set to decrease for 2009, most areas will now revert to the higher 2008 mortgage limit. (Read more)
Welcome Relief from Fannie Mae
As you are all aware, many lenders involved in short sale transactions have conditioned the approval of the short sale upon reduction of the commissions paid to agents in these transactions. Well, it seems that Fannie Mae heard your complaints and issued a new policy. (Read more)
VAR Announces New Service for Your Clients
As professionals, Realtors® are always looking for ways to offer added value to their clients. The Virginia Association of Realtors® has developed a valuable free tool that homeowners can use to keep informed about important issues that may affect their rights as home owners. (Read more)
Be Informed
Are you missing out on information that is valuable to your business? NVAR email communications provide important updates on events, calls for action and services that are critical to your practice. Please use the following steps to “whitelist” emails from NVAR so that you don’t pass up another opportunity. (Read more)