Realtors® Successful In Richmond:  New Laws Take Effect July 1

Signs, Signs…Everywhere Signs
In parts of Virginia, particularly Loudoun County, Realtors® have been experiencing major problems with “sign vigilantes” (individuals authorized and “trained” by the county) removing and destroying even legally placed signs – including a magnetic sign on the car of a Realtor®! (Read More)

Ask NVAR: “Coming Soon” – Legitimate Teaser or Unethical Listing?
Three Questions Guide Agents to a Safe Conclusion

Question:
I'm a Realtor® with a question concerning signage. I have a client who is almost ready to put a house on the market and would like me to put up the “for sale” sign with a "coming soon" rider. The house will be ready for viewing in a week, but the seller would like to stir up some anticipation. Is this acceptable? (Read More)

The Long Road to Recovery – Signs of Improvement Dot Landscape
But Distressed Properties, Decreasing Government Involvement May Impact Progress

The Washington area housing market has shown signs of improvement in recent months. Sales of existing homes were up at the end of 2009 compared with the end of 2008. Home prices rose in many jurisdictions. However, improvements in the housing market have been uneven and unsteady. While the regional housing market is poised for recovery in 2010, it will be relatively unsettled for the next few months. (Read More)

Borrowers Beware: The Hidden Dangers in Deficiency Judgments Have Staying Power

In light of the historically unprecedented number of foreclosures and short sales occurring in the marketplace today, Realtors® need to understand the significance of any “deficiency” that results when the proceeds of a foreclosure or short sale are less than the amount owed to a lender who holds a deed of trust (“DOT”) and a deed of trust note (“DOTN”) secured by a property. (Read More)

Leveraging Leading Edge Technology
Harnessing Tech Tools to Attract and Maintain Client Connections

Some Realtors® are pleased to report they have mastered working on a laptop and have started a Facebook page. But others are way ahead of the technology curve – already working with mobile applications, filming videos and updating blogs from their smart phones. (Read More)

Market Momentum: Picking Up the Pace
Spring Forecast Speakers Trace the Local Economic Trajectory 

“You can do a great service to your customers by helping them understand the economy,” explained Dr. Stephen Fuller of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis to Realtors® attending NVAR’s Spring Forecast on Thursday, March 25. Fuller opened the sold-out Herndon event with a discussion of the national economic picture, then sharpened his focus to highlight regional data. The event’s second speaker, Dr. Jerry Gordon, president of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, tightened the beam further in his presentation about county characteristics. (Read More)

R U 2 RISKY? Responsible Driving Is Up 2 U
Texting on the Road: Distracted Drivers Spell Disaster

Half of all young people - ages 18 to 24 - admit to texting while driving. Among Realtors®, many of whom spend hours of their work day on the go, these numbers could be just as high. (Read More)