Press Releases

VAR launched two REALTOR® image commercials today.  The spots have received great feedback so far. We are testing them first in the Richmond market and hope to continue to air around the state in the near future.

One is focused on the REALTOR® pledge and the other on what a REALTOR® can do for the consumer, both resulting in the Realtor logo/brand being a promise.  So… look for the R…look for the REALTOR® promise.

Check them out (bet you’ll recognize some faces too) and let us know what you think!

The Virginia Association of REALTORS® thanks Governor McDonnell and the members of the General Assembly for working together to pass a sustainable transportation funding plan, resulting in HB 2313.

“We know the importance of an adequate, efficient transportation network. It enhances the quality of life in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. Transportation impacts everyone: parents getting children to school, businesses aiming to attract customers, first responders and law enforcement responding to emergencies, and commuters on their way to work,” says Mary Dykstra, President of the Virginia Association of REALTORS®.

This transportation bill is not perfect, but a result of compromise and working together for the greater good.

The Virginia Association of Realtors® has announced its support for Governor Bob McDonnell’s plan to help fund transportation in Virginia.

Speaking on behalf of VAR and in support of the plan is President Mary Dykstra of Roanoke, who said:

Pass along this good news to your clients: NBC 12 in Richmond gives local and statewide home sales some positive coverage as VAR reports a statewide increase in home sales of 11%. Watch the news spot and don’t forget to check out the VAR Q2 Home Sales Report (free for download) at www.VARealtor^®.com/HomeSales.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and Virginia Association of REALTORS® are working together to gain perspective on Virginia’s housing market. A majority of Virginia Realtors® indicated that housing market conditions were slightly or significantly better in the first quarter of 2012, according to the survey released today by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Nearly 60 percent of respondents also indicated that customer traffic was slightly or significantly higher.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Virginia Association of Realtors®, focused on the state of the residential housing market in Virginia and how these conditions changed during the first quarter of 2012.

The First Quarter 2012 Virginia Home Sales Report has been released and brings good news for the Commonwealth! Several long-term trends indicate that Virginia’s housing market is continuing to stabilize.

As shown above, the pace of home sales in the first quarter of 2012 marked an improvement over both the first quarter of 2011 and 2010.

Each year, VAR and some of its partners recognize those members who have gone above and beyond the call of their real estate duties.

These are the Realtors, brokers, and property managers who set the standard for all of us, and who exceed that standard themselves. Click here to see photos from the VAR Annual Real Estate Awards reception.

Here are our 2011 winners.

Home sales during January 2012 showed a marked improvement over last January (+2.7%) and January 2010 (+6.1%). This market improvement, is an early indicator that Virginia’s housing market may continue to gather strength during 2012. Low mortgage interest rates (3.98%) and relatively low unemployment levels (6.2%) are certainly helping housing markets around the Commonwealth to remain stable and show some regional improvements.

The full January 2012 Virginia Home Sales Report also highlights:

• Monthly median sales prices only declined 1% in the past year.
• Monthly sales volume increased 0.7% between January 2011 and January 2012.
• Average days on market increased to 102 days in January 2012.

As we conclude 2011 and head into 2012, Virginia’s housing market will likely continue to stabilize, due to factors like low interest rates, rising residential rental rates, and an improving household balance sheet based on increases in household saving habits.

“We are encouraged by the overall numbers shown in the fourth quarter. The pace of home sales is picking up and without artificial stimulus proving that people are taking advantage of low interest rates and low home prices. This upcoming year is an optimistic one for real estate; one in which we hope to see stronger signs of recovery and stabilization,” said Virginia Association of REALTORS® President Trish Szego.

Highlights: