Press Releases

This week, mortgage rates went up for the first time in six weeks, with the 30-year mortgage rising 3 basis points this week, to 4.77 percent, according to a Bankrate.com national survey of large lenders. Virginia’s housing markets continue to show slow but steady growth, according to early indicators from various Multiple Listings Services and local Associations of Realtors in the state.

“Virginia is fortunate to have a relatively low unemployment rate, and strong regional economic development activity,” commented VAR President Cindy Stackhouse of Dumfries, VA, “both contributing to stronger home sales markets in our state.”

The start of a new fiscal year is on the horizon, and most of Virginia's counties and cities have now finalized their budgets. Virtually all faced the need to balance budgets with fewer resources than in years past. In this tough economy, localities are faced with a double-whammy:

Benefits of Homeownership: What Matters Most

At some point in time most people are faced with the decision to either buy a home or continue renting, and with the expiration of the home buyer tax credit, that choice may be on many people’s minds these days.

Renting can make sense for those not yet ready to take on the responsibility of homeownership, but for those in a position to purchase a home it can offer immediate benefits and long-term value.  According to Cindy Stackhouse, president of the Virginia Association of REALTORS, the benefits of owning a home go beyond financial considerations.

The annual convention for Virginia Realtors, The REal Show will be held October 1-3 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Featured speakers will include legendary Washington Redskins quarterback JoeTheismann and Richard Bitner, managing editor of Housing Wire.        

The 90th annual convention of the Virginia Association of REALTORS (VAR), offered in cooperation with the Hampton Roads REALTORS Association (HRRA), is expected to draw several hundred attendees from around the state, with Realtors, brokers and specialists coming for education sessions and a large real estate trade expo.

Protecting the value of your home is a key interest of homeowners, and it's because of this that the Virginia Homeowners Alliance (www.VaHomeownersAlliance.com) offers a comprehensive Web site to provide homeowners with up-to-the-minute local and statewide information. 

REALTORS® around the nation will be holding open houses on the weekend of April 10 and 11, 2010 during REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend.  Thousands of people who have listed their home for sale will open their doors with a REALTOR® as host, for prospective buyers to view.

This is an incredible opportunity for consumers to shop for a new home while interest rates are still low, home prices are lower, and there are a variety of home choices available.

The national open house is scheduled to entice buyers to make a move before the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit expires April 30. To qualify for the credit, contracts must be completed by April 30, with settlement planned for June 30.

Sherry Bailey, GRI of Century 21 New Millennium in Stafford, VA was presented with the 2009 Code of Ethics Leadership Award during the Virginia Association of REALTORS®’ (VAR) annual awards reception on February 18 in Richmond.   

The Code of Ethics Leadership Award recognizes a Realtor who has made significant contributions by offering advice and counsel on the Code of Ethics, teaching the Code to other Realtors and serving on grievance and professional standards committees.

A member of the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors (FAAR), Bailey has served on and chaired the FAAR Grievance Committee.

Larry Anderson, ABR, GRI, of Exit Advantage Realty in Fairfax, received the 2009 George Rink Outstanding State Real Estate Educator Award during the Virginia Association of REALTORS’ (VAR) annual awards reception, held February 18 at the Richmond Omni Hotel.

The Outstanding Real Estate Educator Award recognizes a Realtor who exemplifies leadership and service and has made significant contributions to real estate education at either the state or local level.

Susan Mekenney, ABR, CRS, GRI, of RE/MAX Allegiance in Alexandria, received the 2009 CRS of the Year at the Virginia Association of REALTORS'® (VAR) annual awards reception, held Feb. 18 in Richmond.  The CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation is the mark of expertise and professionalism in residential real estate sales and marketing.

An associate broker, Mekenney has been an active member of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) since 1994.

Christopher Call, GAA, RAA of AREAS Appraisers Inc. in Springfield received the 2009 Appraiser of the Year Award at the Feb. 18 Virginia Association of REALTORS’ (VAR) annual awards reception at the Omni Hotel in Richmond. 

Presented by the Appraisal Alliance/VAR, the award recognizes an appraiser who participates in local and state association activities as a leader or volunteer; and who exemplifies a community-minded spirit through activities connected with youth and religious groups, cultural contributions, and political leadership in real estate issues. 

Call, a member of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), has been involved with the VAR Appraisal Alliance since its inception in 1994, serving as chairman on two different occasions.