Peninsula REALTOR® December 2015

PeninsulaREALTOR® Digital Magazine

The Official Publication of the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

December 2015

PeninsulaREALTOR® December 2015page 2

PeninsulaPartnersof the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

DiamondAtlantic Bay Mortgage

PlatinumREIN Gold

Lytle TitleMonarch Bank & Mortgage

National Exterminating Company, Inc.Silver

Movement MortgagePrimeLending

BronzeFulton Mortgage Company

The Real Estate BookUnion Mortgage

OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE DEVELOPED A SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH MANY OF OUR AFFILIATE MEMBERS WHO HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH FOR OUR

MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATION!

PeninsulaPartners FORM A GROUP OF LOYAL, HARD WORKING AFFILIATE MEMBERS WHO SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND PROMOTION OF THE ASSOCIATION AND

REALTOR® ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

PeninsulaPartners ATTEND ASSOCATION ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT THE ASSOCIATION PROMOTE ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES

SPONSOR ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

INTERESTED IN JOINING PeninsulaPartners Call us at 757-599-5222 or click here for a Partner Brochure.

http://www.vpar.org/PDF/partner/2016%20Partnership%20Program%20Brochure.pdf


Publication Editor

Jim Wetzel, RCEChief Executive Officer

Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®1001 North Campus Parkway

Hampton, VA 23666t. (757) 599-5222f. 757-596-3911

[email protected]

Cindy AndersonDirector of Member Services

Jo McNamara DalyEducation Director & Event Planner

PeninsulaREALTOR® is published monthly by Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® as a

service to its membership.

Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate™ on the Virginia Pen-

insula,” is your local association of REALTORS® representing over 1000 local REALTOR® members

and affiliates.

As members of America’s largest trade association, The National Association of REALTORS® together we represent over 1.1 million members, including NAR’s institutes, societies and councils, involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real

estate industries.

Our membership is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, sales-people, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate

industry.

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate

professional who is a member of the National Asso-ciation of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict

Code of Ethics.

PeninsulaREALTOR®Digital Magazine

The Official Publication of the Virginia Peninsula

Association of REALTORS®2016 Officers & Directors

PresidentAndy Cohen

President-ElectChandra Patterson

TreasurerCarl Burt

Immediate Past PresidentDewey Hutchins

Directors Stephen AbbittSandra Hood

Eugenia JacksonLindsay Pennington

Crystal Sullivan Robert “Sully” Sullivan

Amanda Walsh Patierno CEO

Jim Wetzel, RCE

Advertising PolicyWhile this magazine makes reasonable effort to establish the integrity of its advertisers, it does not endorse adver-tised products or services unless specifically stated. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at anytime. Advertisements refused may include, but are not limited to, those that are legally questionable, that may support products or services of questionable standards, or that are inconsistent with the high professional standard of the Code of Ethics of the Association. Advertising is open to REALTOR® members, member firms, affiliate members and non-members. Product advertising is limited to resi-dential subdivisions, commercial, or industrial units and real estate related products and services, excluding per-

sonal listings.Equal Opportunity Policy

VPAR is pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. The Asso-ciation encourages and supports an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, elderliness, reli-

gion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.Notice

VPAR does not fix, control, recommend, suggest, or main-tain commission rates or fees for services

rendered by cooperating members or non-members.


PeninsulaAffiliatesof the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

1st Advantage Fed Credit Union, Alicia Westfall (757) 877-24442-10 Home Buyers Warranty, Carolyn Ricketts (571) 606-8051Alpha Pest Solutions, Sindi Rowell (757) 873-4999Amerispec Home Inspection, Jamison S. Brown (757) 868-0988Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, KIm Niccum (757) 874-6040Atlantic Exterminating Co., Inc, R. Scott Tully (757) 223-9673Bankers Title, LLC, J. Vance Stallings (757) 645-9327BB & T Mortgage of Virginia, Donna Davis (757) 873-6001C&F Mortgage, Mary Rebholz (757) 873-8200Coleman & Coleman, PLC, Donnie Coleman (757) 965-8482Colonial Exterminating Co., Kimberly Beckett (757) 599-0889Cox Communications, Misty Pritchett (757) 222-8394Creative Chameleon Media, Karen D. Lawson (804) 694-7586E.T. Lawson & Son, Inc., Nancy L. Allen (757) 722-1928Fidelity Bank Mortgage, Nina C. Efird (757) 597-0431First American Home Buyers Pro, Jamie Cook (757) 390-8785Flemings Awards & Promotional, Fleming A. Buck (757) 229-5688Fulton Mortgage Company, Ryan Mutter (757) 223-4330Henry R. Nice Jr, Henry Nice (757) 880-3652HMS Home Warranty, Amy Holloway (800) 843-4663Home Title of Virginia, L.L.C, Peggy H. Truitt (757) 599-4663Home Warranty of America, Tina Carneal-Flowers (757) 675-1185HSA Home Warranty, Myra Federspiel (773) 251-9163Johnson Mortgage Company LLC, Allen Barber (757) 873-1287Jones, Blechman, Woltz & Kelly, Herbert Kelly Esq. (757) 873-8000Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., Mark A. Short (757) 873-6351Keller Williams Elite, Lisa Pen McBride (757) 223-9555Liberty Mutual Insurance, Anne Burke (757) 258-0338Lytle Law, P.C., Brian D. Lytle (757) 595-5655Lytle Title & Escrow, LLC., Heather Fuller (757) 643-7899M.W. McFall Inc. – Real Estate, Bill McFall (757) 873-6731Mares Exterminating Co LLC, Thomas Mares (757) 868-4898Miller, Walsh, Kutz & Laster, PLC, Julianne Cyr (757) 595-0123Momo’s Cafe, Martha Bennett (757) 240-5854Monarch Mortgage, Andrew Jordan (757) 870-5445D. Wayne Moore, Esq. (757) 873-7700

Please join us in supporting our Affiliate Members by contacting them today ! Become an Affiliate here !

Movement Mortgage, Joe Anderson (757) 717-0248National Exterminating Co., Anna Wolpert (757) 599-3621Navy Federal Credit Union, Karen Arient (757) 262-4448Old Point Mortgage, LLC, Rob Runnells (757) 769-7169Old Republic Home Protection, Brett Cole (703) 217-8848OVM Financial Inc., Chip Simkins (757) 713-2600Peerless Carpet & Restoration, Rebecca Shultz (757)847-6300Peninsula Title Company, Robin B. McArthur (757) 595-2536PESTOUT, Glen Workman (757) 223-9902PFG Insurance & Benefits, Derry Haywood (757) 873-4508Pillar to Post Home Inspection, Cathi Lynch (757) 870-4073PNC Mortgage, Elyse Callaway (757) 599-6882PrimeLending, Mike Hartnett (757) 368-9910Prof. Termite & Moisture Control, Patrick Rogan (757) 599-3167Prosperity Mortgage, Kevin Hull (757) 490-9200Pro-Tech Exterminating, Inc, Bob Herget (757) 224-1339REIN, Joan Griffey (757) 531-7900Reliance Pest & Termite,Inc., Wayne Kessinger (757) 485-5005ServiceLink, Raquel Linger, (757)254-8352Smoke Detector Man, Dusty Williams (757) 717-7955Staged 2 Sell, Therese Robinson (757) 344-5322State Farm Insurance, Scott Miller (757) 874-8900Suntrust Mortgage Corporation, Tricia Gentry (757) 873-7920Terry Peterson Residential, John Peterson (757) 460-1770The Closers of Virginia, Inc., Bella Trowbridge (757) 595-4707The Daily Press, Jennifer Cunnison (757) 247-4891Tidewater Home Funding, Michele McDaniel (757) 223-9494Tidewater Mortgage Services, Bob Teravainen (757) 594-6165TowneBank Mortgage, Shirley Sasser (757) 687-5000U.S. Inspect , Inc., Kevin Salva (757) 254-2960Universal Pest & Termite Inc., George Pilkington (757) 502-0200USAA, Kemp Ward (757) 679-6983VA Housing Development Authority, Janice Burgess (800) 227-8432VA Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Mike Kuhns (757) 325-8170Virtual Tidewater, Rosalind Boyle (757) 880-6422Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Teresa Rutherford (757) 873-3308

http://vpar.org/new-affiliate-membership/


WE ARE the R.

Each of us, as a REALTOR®, does so much more than “sell houses. We are trusted resources in an ever changing market, making it incumbent upon us that we keep up with, and when pos-sible, ahead of those changes. To that end, your Association sponsors classes, lunch and learns, membership breakfasts, night courts and other events which help us increase our knowledge. We have the op-portunity to take advantage of the exper-tise of speakers from NAR and VAR, and we have timely visits from our local police chiefs and mayors and chairs. But, we can only benefit from these opportunities if we attend. You owe it to yourselves and to your clients to take advantage of what your Association makes available.

Another important function of Your As-sociation is to advocate for home owners and home ownership. Our Public Policy Committee will once again be interview-ing local candidates in the coming year. With federal elections (perhaps you have already heard that we have a presiden-tial election in 2016,) NAR and VAR will also be vetting candidates, and making endorsements. As individuals we may be Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians,

Greens or Independents. As Realtors were are able, through our RPAC invest-ment, to be members of the Realtor Party, supporting those candidates who are sup-portive of our issues. These include both Democrats, and Republicans. The impor-tance of our involvement really hit home in early November when a candidate for a major party presidential nomination stated that would end the mortgage inter-est deduction.

As the year comes to a close, I would like to thank those of you who have been actively involved with VPAR in 2015, and would encourage every member to be-come more involved in 2016. I would also like to thank our affiliates and partners for all they do to allow us to present our programs and social events. Our Associa-tion is enriched by their involvement, and I encourage you to do business with our affiliates.

Wishing each of you, and your families a very joyous holiday season. Merry Christ-mas and a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year!

President’s Messageby Andy COHEN, 2016 VPAR President


PeninsulaREALTOR® Membership By Cindy Anderson, Director of Membership

WELCOME NEW REALTORS®Trip Anderson, RE/MAX Peninsula

Sherri Bowler, greg garrett realty.comBo Bryan, Abbitt Realty Company LLCJordan Cowles, Keller Williams Elite Nelson Diggs, Keller Williams Elite

Brenda Gentry, Mid-Atlantic ResidentialAbby Helfand, Virginia Commonwealth Jillian Hooper, Rose & Womble Realty

Chayil Israel, Berkshire Hathaway Yehoshua Israel, Berkshire Hathaway

Samuel Jennings, Liz Moore & AssociatesMary McCall, Mid-Atlantic Residential

PJ Parker, Liz Moore & AssociatesMartia Pegues, Bell-Key Properties

Frank Pitman, greg garrett realty.comVictor Ross, Bell-Key PropertiesChelsea Spyker, Howard Hanna

Sheldon Worrell, Keller Williams Elite RECENT TRANSFERS

Kyle Bell, Rose & Womble Realty Teresa A. Bingman, Keller Williams Elite

Deborah T. Cecelic-Konst, ERA Real Estate Sharon Y. Goodin, Long and Foster Raquel Linger, Lytle Title & Escrow

Amy Monteiro, Long & Foster Frank D. Pitman, greg garrett realty.com

the City and American Legion Post 25, participated in the Veterans Day Remembrance at the Newport News Victory Arch. As part of this Veterans’ Day ceremony, the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS Veterans’ Memorial Benches were dedicated. The Mayor and Members of City Council were joined by Delegate Mamye BaCote, Delegate Monty Mason, Delegate David Yancey, Delegate-elect Marcia Price, Sena-tor John Miller and Shannon Kendrick, District Office Director, from Congressman Scott Rigell’s office. VPAR’s Immediate Past President, Dewey Hutchins, delivered remarks and introduced keynote speaker John V. Quarstein. The benches were do-nated by VPAR to the City as part of a NAR Placemaking Grant.


The PeninsulaMonitor by Susan Gaston, LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT

Monthly Public Policy Report

PUBLIC POLICY QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

“Power tends to pro-tect itself to maintain its own status and control. Principle gives up power for the sake of creating the best public policy.” --Daniel Webster

LOCAL ISSUESNEWPORT NEWSOn November 11th, VPAR, along with

VPAR is reviewing the first draft of the housing needs report and market analysis study that Dr. Tom Hall from Christopher Newport University has prepared using funds from the NAR Housing Opportunity Program. Dr. Hall continues to tweak and add details to the report, so it is not in final form as of this publication. VPAR will meet with Dr. Hall and the Planning staff of the City of Newport News in early January to review the information jointly and to assess ap-propriate next steps.

The City’s Comprehensive Plan Com-munity Advisory Committee (CPCAC), after taking a few months off, re-upped in December. The CPCAC is reviewing a chapter in the Plan that focuses on ex-isting conditions in the City, looking at means of creating a sustainable, acces-sible and resilient City. The City hopes to create comprehensive plan that aligns with current best practices and results in a more strategic, cohesive and less volu-minous plan. Both Susan Gaston, VPAR’s Legislative Consultant, and VPAR Member Michael F. Carpenter, are on the CPCAC.

REGIONALEfforts to elevate the public awareness of and public support for Ft. Eustis continue to move forward, and VPAR remains an active partner. Additional discussions will take place this week among the leadership of the Eustis Civic Leaders Association. More to come.

STATE

The 2016 General Assembly of Virginia convenes on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 for a 60-day “long” session that will include consideration of a new bi-ennial budget for the Commonwealth. With new elected leaders in the mix, with both the House and the Senate remaining in Republican hands, with a Democratic Administration and with what will be a large volume of legislation, the Session is sure to be interesting….as they all are!

The REALTOR® Legislative Agenda is shaping up and will focus on the following issues: (Bill patrons are in play and will be finalized over the coming days.

HOA/POA AmendmentsVAR will seek legislation to make a number of changes to the Property Owners Association Act to include:• Further limits on fees that POA’s can

charge on renters or those owners who choose to rent their property;

• Prohibiting associations from evicting tenants

• Defining in the Code who are the purchasers’ and sellers’ designated agenda for the purposes of delivery of the disclosure packet;

• Defining in the Code that delivery of the packet is defined as the packet be-ing delivered to the purchasers’ des-ignated agents by one of the delivery methods outlined in the Code;


The PeninsulaMonitor Continues


Mandatory ethics training.Not many professionals can claim that on their resumé

When REALTORS® complete mandatory Code of Ethics training, they not only set themselves apart from other professionals in thereal estate industry, they set themselves apart from many industries. When it comes to the business of buying or selling a home, it’s niceto know that there’s someone you can count on to be honest and maintain high standards of practice.

Visit realtor.org/codeofethics to learn exactly what the Code of Ethics is and how it benefits you as a customer.

Abbitt Realty Co., LLC - Corporate

Abbitt Realty Co., LLC - Newport News

Abbitt Realty Co., LLC - Gloucester

Abbitt Realty Co., LLC - Hampton

Abbitt Realty Co., LLC - New Homes

Action Realty

Advantage Realty

Allied Brokers

Allied Brokers, Inc.

Amanda M. Walsh Real Estate

American Realty Ltd.

Anchor Realty Group

Andleton Management

Bach Realty

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesTowne Realty - Hampton

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesTowne Realty - Smithfield

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesTowne Realty - Williamsburg

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesTowne Realty - Corporate

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServicesTowne Realty - Newport News

Boardwalk Realty

BSW Property Management & Sales, LLC

Bull Island Realty

C. D. West & Company

Cale Realty Company

Cardinal Realty

Carrington Real Estate Services

Carrithers Realty Company

Caye Garrett Realty

Cecil P. Miller, Jr. Appraisals

CENTURY 21 Nachman Realty

Coldwell Banker Professional - Williamsburg

Coldwell Banker Professional - Hampton

Coldwell Banker Traditions - Williamsburg

Coldwell Banker Traditions - Newport News

Coleman Group Realty

Creative Realty Services, Inc

Davis Management

Drucker & Falk, LLC.

East West Realty - Founders Pt.

East West Realty Eagle Harbor

Enterprise Realty Co., Inc.

ERA Real Estate Professionals

EXIT Real Estate Solutions

EXIT Realty Central

EZ-Vest Realty Inc.

Family Realty

First Peninsula Properties

Fitzhugh-Wilson Real Estate

Frank & Shapiro Real Estate

Gene B. Vaughan Appraisal Services

George’s Realty, Inc.

Gloucester Realty Corp.

Greg Garrett Property Management, Inc.

greg garrett realty.com - Newport News

greg garrett realty.com - Williamsburg

Hampton Roads Realty Ltd.

Harrison & Lear, Inc

Heartland Realty, LLC

HelpUSell Lacy & Associates

Home Realty, LLC

Howard HannaWilliam E Wood - Corporate

Howard HannaWilliam E. Wood - Smithfield

Howard HannahWilliam E Wood - Williamsburg

Howard HannaWilliam E. Wood - Newport News

Jackson & Associates

JLS Real Estate

KBL Companies, LLC

Keller Williams Elite - Peninsula

Kline Realty

Liz Moore & Associates

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Smithfield

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc - Williamsburg

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc - Yorktown

Lotz Realty

Melody Matthews & Associates

Mid-Atlantic Residential

Mitchell & Assoc., Realtors

Moseley & Company, Realtors

Mueller & Associates, Inc.

Mulder Realty Corporation

Mutual Realty Corporation

Nu Homes Realty

Olde Towne Realty

Peter S. Eckert & Company

Pink Flamingo Realty LLC

Powell Realty Corporation

Preferred Properties

Premier Properties & Associates

Professional Real Estate Management

Progressive Real Estate, LLC

RE/MAX Capital

RE/MAX First

RE/MAX Peninsula - Gloucester

RE/MAX Peninsula - Newport News

RE/MAX Peninsula - Williamsburg

Real Estate Depot, LLC

Real Property Management Peninsula

Realty Executives, Peninsula

Realty, Inc.

Reliance Realty, Inc.

Rengaw Realty, LLC

Rose & Womble Company, LLC. - Newport News

Rose & Womble Company, LLC. - Hampton

Roy Giles Realty, Inc.

Simmons Realty

Steven N. Miller

The Katzenberg Company

The Myers Realty Group, Inc.

Town & Country Realty

Triple Diamond Realty

Twiddy Realty

Virginia Commonwealth Realty

Virginia Country Real Estate

Virginia Peninsula Real Estate

Waterside Realty Company

Weichert, Realtors - By Wright

Welcome Home Realty of VA, LLC

Willow Beach Real Estate, LLC

WPI 1 Stop Realty, LLC

Xome, Inc.

Yahs Realty, LLC

Yeatts & Company, Inc.

The Virginia PeninsulaAssociation of REALTORS®The Voice for Real Estate™ on the Virginia Peninsula

all members of the National Association of REALTORS®

©2006 National Association of REALTORS®.

VPAR Promotes REALTOR® AwarenessIn Your Community

Door Prizes! Free Appetizers! Monday, January 11, 2016 5PM—7 PM

12090 Jefferson Ave/Marketplace at Tech Center

Newport News, VA 23606


• Mirroring the POA to the Condomin-ium Owners Association in regards to a buyer being able to walk from a contract when the disclosure packet is not available;

• Clarifying that when multiple HOAs are involved in a transaction and mul-tiple disclosure packets are required, that the three-day right of revision does not begin until the last packet has been delivered;

• Increasing the timeframe that associa-tions can back-charge sellers for the cost of the packets to 90 days from the existing 45 days, to satisfy concerns regarding delayed closings with TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID)

Agency/Licensing Law RevisionsVAR will seek clarifications to the agency/licensing law that will include: • Authorizing the Virginia Real Estate

Board (VREB) to apply deferred judg-ments, allowing licensees to complete education or other remedial steps with out violations going on their permanent records;

• Clarifying that the requirement for written brokerage agreements only applies to residential transactions. Commercial transactions generally involve opposing parties that are each presented by counsel and are busi-ness persons families with real estate transactions. Also, often, national commercial firms form sub-agency re-lationships with Virginia firms for the

sale of Virginia property and refuse to sign Virginia brokerage agreements….thus killing “the deal.” This legislation also states that commercial transac-tions do not require a Disclosure of Brokerage Relationship

• Clarifying that the act of merely show-ing property does not require a writ-ten brokerage agreement

Home InspectionsVAR will seek legislation to require a DPOR license for anyone performing a home inspection as part of a real estate transaction

Housing Trust Fund – Earnest Money Deposits and Escrow FundsVAR will seek legislation to allow brokers to take stranded escrow funds and ear-nest money deposits, interplead them to General District Courts and then allow the judge to transfer those funds to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund.

VPAR’s Annual REALTOR® DAY ON THE HILL legislative lobbying and advocacy event will take place on February 17, 2016 in Richmond. Mark your calendars now and know that details will be coming soon! Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with your legislators, hear from some top Richmond political insiders and enjoy a fabulous reception at The Jeffer-son!


The PeninsulaMonitor continued

Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®presents…

“NEW REAL ESTATE BOARD REGULATIONS”

VPAR Quarterly General Membership BreakfastVPAR Headquarters, 1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton 23666

Tuesday, January 19th, 2016Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Program from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Space is limited to 130 - register early!

COST: $15 MEMBERS $20 NON-MEMBERS

------------------------------------------------------------------VPAR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST – Tuesday, January 19th, 2016

NAME: MEMBER #:

FIRM_________________________________________________________________

CREDIT CARD: Exp:

Signature: __________________ Name on card: __________________________

[ ] Member (Payment in advance is appreciated.) Bill me: $________Enclosed: $________

Please return to VPAR at fax number 596-3911; mail to 1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666 or register online at members.vpar.org

Questions? Call Jo McNamara Daly at 757-599-5222 ext.302. Email: [email protected] must be received within 48 business hours of the event. No-shows will be billed.

Please notify in advance if you have a disability requiring special services.

Thank you to our Sponsor:Atlantic Bay Mortgage

INSTRUCTED BY:

BLAKE HEGEMAN, CAEDeputy General Coucil of

Virginia Association of Realtors®

2 HOURS LEGAL UPDATE CE WITH FLOOD CONTENT

2 HOURS CURRENT INDUSTRY ISSUES/TRENDS PLE CREDIT

2 HOURS BROKER MANAGEMENT CE CREDIT


FEDERAL

FHFA Releases 2016 GSE Loan Limits On Nov. 25, 2015, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released the 2016 conforming Loan Limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The national conform-ing loan limit remained at $417,000 while 39 additional counties were added as high cost areas which raises the limit up to $625,500 in the most costly areas. FHFA requested comment on and implemented new methodology for its housing price index to better reflect the changes in the broader housing market. For additional information and details, see the link: http://www.fhfa.gov/DataTools/Down-loads/Pages/Conforming-Loan-Limits.aspx

Congress Approves Five-Year Transpor-tation Package, G-Fees RemovedOn Dec. 3rd, the House approved HR. 22, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) by a vote of 359-65. The Senate quickly followed with an approval vote of 83-16. President Obama is ex-pected to sign the bill into law prior to the December 4th deadline.

Passage of a five year surface transporta-tion program is a victory in many ways. In July 2015, the Senate proposed funding a portion of transportation with guarantee fees (g-fees) collected by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. NAR began an effective cam-

paign to remove g-fees as a pay-for in sur-face transportation projects. After weeks of negotiations between the House and Senate, the final legislation completely re-moved g-fees. Ultimately, Congress altered the Federal Reserve’s surplus account and dividends owed to large banks to pay for the bulk of transportation funding until 2020.

Additional victories stem from safety measures and livability programs. States receiving federal funding will now be en-couraged to adopt Complete Streets stan-dards. NAR has been a part of a coalition since 2008 working to establish a fed-eral Complete Streets standard. And the primary funding program for Safe Routes to School, and bicycling/walking facilities was retained within the final package.

NAR’s transportation advocacy efforts have focused on a long-term sustainable program. Although five years of consis-tency of federal transportation programs is a major success, funding after 2020 will need to be ironed out once more.

THANK YOU TO ALL VPAR MEMBERS WHO RESPONDED TO THE NAR CALL-TO-ACTION on G-FEES! Should you have questions contact Susan Gaston, VPAR’s Legislative Consultant, at 757-871-1445 or at [email protected].


The PeninsulaMonitor continued

http://www.fhfa.gov/DataTools/Downloads/Pages/Conforming-Loan-Limits.aspx




Urgent Alert: Sophisticated Email Scams Targeting the Real Estate Industry

December 15, 2015

Criminals are hacking into the email accounts of real estate agents or other persons involved in a real estate transaction and using information gained from the hack to dupe a party into a fraudulent wire transfer. The hackers often send an email that appears to be from an individual legitimately involved in the transaction, informing the recipient, often the buyer, that there has been a last minute change to the wiring instructions. Following the new instructions, the recipient will wire funds directly to the hacker’s account, which will be cleared out in a matter of minutes. The money is almost always lost forever.

In the next two weeks, real estate professionals will be contending with

high transactional volumes during year-end closings. This is a busy and hectic time for real estate professionals, and many millions of dollars will be sent and received via wire before the end of the year. This is exactly the environment in which online criminals seek to operate.

The National Association of REALTORS® urges its members and state and local REALTOR® associations to be on high alert for email and online fraud.

In May 2015, NAR issued an alert regarding a sophisticated email wire fraud hitting the real estate industry. Since then, the incidents of online scams targeting practitioners have continued to rise but the advice is the same.

Bottom line: Do not let your guard down. Start from the assumption that any email in your in-box could be a targeted attack from a criminal.

PreventionFollow this guidance to avoid becoming a victim:• Immediately contact all parties to all of your upcoming transactions and inform them of the possibility of this fraud. Attorneys, escrow agents, buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and title agents

Risk ManagementUrgent Alert: Sophisticated Email Scams

http://speakingofrealestate.blogs.realtor.org/2015/05/19/alert-wire-fraudsters-targeting-real-estate-transactions/



have all been targeted in these scams. You can also download and distribute NAR’s online fraud prevention handout, accessible here. • If possible, do not send sensitive infor-mation via email. If you must use email to send sensitive information, use encrypted email. • Immediately prior to wiring any money, the person sending the money must call the intended recipient to verify the wiring instructions. Only use a verified tele-phone number to make this call. • Do not trust contact information in un-verified emails. The hackers will recreate legitimate-looking signature blocks with their own telephone number. In addi-tion, fraudsters will include links to fake websites to further convince victims of their legitimacy. • Never click on any links in an unverified email. In addition to leading you to fake websites, these links can contain viruses and other malicious spyware that can make your computer – and your transac-tions – vulnerable to attack. • Never conduct business over unsecured wifi. • Trust your instincts. Tell clients that if an e-mail or a telephone call ever seems suspicious or “off,” that they should refrain from taking any action until the communication has been independently verified as legitimate.• Clean out your e-mail account on a regu-

lar basis. Your e-mails may establish pat-terns in your business practice over time that hackers can use against you. In ad-dition, a longstanding backlog of e-mails may contain sensitive information from months or years past. You can always save important e-mails in a secure location on your internal system or hard drive.• Change your usernames and passwords on a regular basis, and make sure your employees and licensees do the same.• Never use usernames or passwords that are easy to guess. Never, ever use the password “password.”• Make sure to implement the most up-to-date firewall and anti-virus technologies in your business.



Damage Control• If you believe your e-mail or any other account has been hacked, or that you or a client has otherwise been a victim of online fraud, you should take the follow-ing steps:• If money has been wired via false wiring instructions, immediately call all banks and financial institutions that could pos-sibly put a stop to the wire.• Contact your local police. • Contact any clients or other parties who may have been exposed during the at-tack so that they take appropriate action. Remind them not to comply with any requests from an unverified source.• Change all usernames and passwords associated with any account that you believe may have been compromised or otherwise made vulnerable by the attack.• Report any fraudulent activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigations via their Internet Crime Complaint Center. More information can be found by clicking here. • Brokers should report any fraudulent activity to their state or local REALTOR® association so that the associations can send out alerts or take other appropriate action, including contacting NAR.This advice is not all-inclusive, and real estate practitioners should work with In-formation Technology and cybersecurity professionals to ensure that their e-mail accounts, online systems, and business

practices are as secure and up-to-date as possible.Be aware that these emails are extremely convincing. Many sophisticated parties have been duped. No one should assume that they are “too savvy” to recognize the fraud. In addition, no one should assume that they are “too small a target” to be on these criminals’ radars. This fraud is pervasive, convincing, and constantly evolving.For more information on this and other cyberscams, as well as further informa-tion on cybersecurity best practices, visit these resources:

http://speakingofrealestate.blogs.realtor.org/2015/05/19/alert-wire-fraudsters-targeting-real-estate-transactions

http://www.realtor.org/law-and-ethics/protecting-your-business-and-your-cli-ents-from-cyberfraud

http://www.realtor.org/articles/request-to-redirect-funds-should-trigger-caution

http://www.realtor.org/topics/data-pri-vacy-and-security

http://www.realtor.org/topics/risk-man-agement

http://www.realtor.org/articles/internet-security-best-practices

http://www.realtor.org/topics/realtor-safety/articles




http://www.realtor.org/law-and-ethics/protecting-your-business-and-your-clients-from-cyberfraud





http://www.realtor.org/topics/data-privacy-and-security

http://www.realtor.org/topics/data-privacy-and-security

http://www.realtor.org/topics/risk-management

http://www.realtor.org/topics/risk-management






PeninsulaREALTOR® UPCOMING EVENTSby Jo McNamara Daly, Director of education and events

Save The Dates OSC AWARDS APPLICATION DEADLINE Monday, Jan. 11th at 5pm

VPAR SOCIAL Monday, Jan. 11th at B.J.’s at Tech Center 5-7pm

VHDA Mortgage Credit Certificates CE Seminar Tuesday, Jan. 14th at VPAR 10:00am-12:00pm

VPAR General Membership Meeting & “Day Court” Blake Hegeman & The New Real Estate Board Regulations w/2HR CE Tuesday, Jan.19th at VPAR 8:30am to 11:00am Register Online at members.vpar.org or call us at 757-599-5222

http://members.vpar.org


Ready To Get Started?CONTACT ATLANTIC BAY TODAY!

For example… A borrower, age 72, with a purchase price of $200,000, would require ONLY $92,000 at closing for the Reverse Mortgage!

*Homeowner continues to pay insurance and property taxes, live in and maintain home. Home must be primary residence. Program not currently available in all states. People portrayed are professional models and are used for illustrative purposes only. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Consult your tax advisor before choosing a reverse mortgage.

Clients Must• Be 62 or older to qualify (at least one person-can have younger spouse as non-borrower to

qualify)

• Own your home outright (or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid off at closing with proceeds from the reverse loan or have a large down payment to purchase)

• Have the financial resources to pay ongoing property charges including taxes and insurance

• Live in the home

You don’t make payments while you live in the house, but the loan and interest come due when you sell, move out for 12 months or more, or last person leaves the house permanently.

DAWN ST. CLAIR PHILLIPSSr. Mortgage BankerNMLS #[email protected]/dawnphillips.com

Did you know...YOU CAN USE A REVERSE MORTGAGE TO PURCHASE A HOME?

ARE YOU CONSIDERING MOVING CLOSER TO YOUR FAMILY? OR DOWNSIZING TO A HOME THAT BETTER SUITS YOUR NEEDS?OR LOOKING TO STAY IN YOUR HOME AND NEED ADDITIONAL INCOME?

www.REINMLS.com

MLS.com

A powerful search function that allows users to search out information on www.REINMLS.com that helps them find and identify self-help documents and training videos that answer the most common Technical requests.

ASK REIN

ALL THINGS REINcan be found on REINMLS.com

• System Status Info• Announcements• Training Calendar• FUSION Link• MATRIX Link• Stats & Graphs• Contracts & Forms• My REIN Account• Subdivision List• Supra Link• Approved Vendors• City Resources• Rules & Regulations




Although the information contained herein was provided by sources believed to be reliable, Thalhimer makes no representation, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy and said information is subject to errors, omissions or changes.

For more information, please contact:

CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD | THALHIMER Compass Pointe

One Compass Way, Suite 100 Newport News, VA 23606

www.thalhimer.com

TERESA NETTLES Senior Vice President (757) 873 9268 [email protected]

1001 NORTH CAMPUS PKWY. Office for Lease

1001 North Campus Pkwy. Second Floor Available Space

2016 Virginia Real Estate License Continuing Education

When you think Continuing Education think VPAR!

8HR CE Required & Elective Courses - $50 COURSE HOURS: 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

8HR Required Course Dates (ce only)January 12th . February 9th

8HR Elective Course Dates (ce only)February 16th

8HR BROKER/MANAGER CEMarch 15th

Is your license expiring sooner than you thought? Our classroom 8 hour courses get great reviews – the classroom discussions with your fellow peers will help you learn by listening to others experiences as well as the mandatory teaching material made

interesting by our instructors.

Instructor: Pat SnyderCost is $50 for members and $55 for non-members.

Register at members.vpar.org or email me!

CLASS HOURS: 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Call Jo McNamara Daly at 757-599-5222 ext. 302 for more information.

http://vpar.org/PDF/2016EducationSchedule.pdf

WANT TO TAKE IT ONLINE? CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://vpar.theceshop.com/online-education/virginia/real-estate/sales-

license/continuing-education/courses.html


The PeninsulaRealEstateSchoolby Jo Mcnamara Daly, Director of Education & Events

http://vpar.theceshop.com/online-education/virginia/real-estate/sales-license/continuing-education/courses.html

http://vpar.theceshop.com/online-education/virginia/real-estate/sales-license/continuing-education/courses.html



REINMLS.com – A Valuable Member Resource

This year REIN unveiled a new and improved REINMLS.com website. If you haven’t logged in yet, please be sure to do so and take advantage of all the site has to offer.

If you have never been to REIN’s member website, and are wondering what it offers, think of it as a “hub” to all things REIN‐related. From REINMLS.com you can access Fusion and Matrix, find market statistics and graphs, the current month’s training calendar, PDF copies of REIN’s contracts and forms, and much more. You can even access your membership account to review and pay invoices online.

The new, mobile friendly website offers you a fresh look, eye‐catching graphics and improved navigation that makes information easy to find. Plus, two great new features…

A ‘SYSTEM STATUS’ section has been added to the home page of the website to identify when REIN’s MLS systems and programs are experiencing known issues, such as updates, service interruptions or down time.

The second new feature is ‘ASK REIN’ – a robust technical support module. ASK REIN allows you to search online documentation that can help you troubleshoot commonly asked technical questions, and if you can’t find the answers you are searching for, then you can ‘Submit a Support Request’ to REIN’s Tech Support Department directly from the website.

To access the full benefits of REINMLS.com, members must log into the site using their REIN ID # and a password. If you have not already done so, please establish a password for this website by clicking on ‘Change/Forgot Password’, located next to the green Log In button in the top right corner of the screen. Then check your email for a link to reset your password. If you still cannot log into the site, please contact REIN’s Tech Support at 757.531.7901 or [email protected].

Check it out today! www.REINMLS.com


Scenes From Our December Social At The CoveNewport News, Va

THANKS TO OUR ALL OUR 2015 SOCIAL SPONSORS

Vpar SOCIAL HAPPENINGS


The keystone event, where hundreds of Virginia Realtors® take to the state capitol to meet face to face with their region’s representatives.

REALTORS® Day on the Hill 2016 Lunch will feature special guest Charlie Cook, Editor and Publisher of The Cook Political Report and a Political Analyst for the National Journal. He writes weekly for National Journal Magazine and National Journal Daily and also pens a regular column for The Washington Quarterly. Once deemed “the Picasso of election analysis” by The Wall Street Journal, Cook produces the“sharpest political handicapping in the business, serving as the one-man, go-to-source

for Americans who want to be truly informed.”

Using poll numbers, economic indicators, and historical data, Cook will discuss today’s political and legislative environments in a balanced, non-partisan way – from the policy direction of the current administration to the Congressional agenda.

Register today to hear Charlie Cook speak at the REALTORS® Day on the Hill Lunch. (You must be registered for Get Active 2016 to purchase ticket for lunch.)

Get Active 2016Wednesday, February 17th:

Legislative RecapLEARN the bills and issues VAR and RPAC are fighting for on your behalf during the General Assembly session. VAR’s lobbying team gives you a behind-the-scenes update.

SHARE your ideas with other REALTORS® from your region: what’s working, what needs to change, and how to do it. Then share your ideas … and start getting things done.

RPAC Awards CELEBRATE the people and local associations that have done the most to help RPAC — and to help you and your business.

Legislative ReceptionNETWORK after Day on the Hill, continue the conversation with policy makers and colleagues at the Legislative Reception.

Join in the discussion and have your voice heard: Register for the best rates:

January 15, 2016Learn more at

VARealtor.com/GetActive







Defeated a 500% Increase We helped to defeat a budget amendment that would have increased the deductible that property owners, including

YOUR clients, pay to have their leaking underground oil tanks cleaned up and repaired by 500%. The current $500 deductible was proposed to go up to $2,500.

The petroleum tank increase was a budget amendment.

Prison time: 1 to 6 years We added a felony charge to any criminal who lures or entices a REALTOR® to a property with the intent to do harm.

The added felony will increase a criminal’s sentence by up to 6 years. The 1-6 years are the statutory sentencing guidelines.

Save $150 - $500/hr. on attorneys’ fees We continued to refine legislation that allows property managers to represent your clients in General District court

without needing an attorney. So, how much would your attorney charge per hour? Typically, attorney fees range from $150 - $500/hr.

$12,000 back to consumers Under a new law that VAR drafted, we have made it easier for Virginia consumers who have received a court judgment to

collect damages from the Real Estate Transaction Recovery Fund. The average claim is approximately $12,000. The $12,000 figure is an estimate by the DPOR finance staff on the average claim that comes before the Board.

Wiped out $200/per Sign Fines We worked with a state legislator to prevent a proposal creating daily fines of $200 for any sign in any public right of

way. How often do you use such signs for your listings? 10 days for 1 sign = $2,000 The $200 per sign was the language in the proposed bill VAR was able to stop.

Keep RPAC of Virginia working for you! Without your support, RPAC cannot remain a powerful voice on key legislative issues. Your dollars help us make our voice heard.

Visit: VirginiaRealtorsChoose.com

RPAC of VIRGINIA VICTORIES BY THE NUMBER$ . . .

RPAC makes a difference. Just look at the numbers!


Residential Sales Continue Growth Virginia experienced year-over-year increases in residential home sales and median sales price in November 2015, continuing a trend of market improve-ment. Year-to-date sales through No-vember 30, 2015, account for more than $32.02 billion in sales volume. Relative to the same year-to-date period for 2014, the value of sales transactions has in-creased by 11.7 percent. The number of sales closed in November 2015 was 3.3 percent higher than for that of the same month in 2014. November 2015 me-dian sales price ($251,500) was slightly higher than November 2014 ($250,000) and 2 percent higher than November 2013 ($245,000). Days on the market declined more than 2 percent from last November. For the full November Home Sales Report, click here.

Full service marketing & innovative mobile platformsall designed with your business in mind.

NMLS# 176544 . Member FDIC

MonarchWhere homebuying dreams take flight.

http://www.varealtor.com/sites/varealtor2.com/files/Virginia%20Monthly%20Report-Nov-2015.pdf


RealEstateBook.comPRINT - WEB - MOBILE - SOCIAL - DIRECT MAIL

Featuring:250 characters/25 per lineEast Wilmington,Rutherford, Grand Lakes,Arington Hills, Coolidge,Elrot, Florence, Gilbert,Gold Canyon, King andQueen, Cedar Crest,Bristol, Newport, Jackson,Madison, Elbertville,BarrowALL ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

THERealEstateBook®

Volume 00, Issue 00

RealEstateBook.comPRINT - WEB - MOBILE - SOCIAL - DIRECT MAILTo see a sample listing on your smartphone, Text T312634 to 85377.

Learn more at RealEstateBookMediaKit.comFor FREE MAGAZINES or to ADVERTISE, visit our website or call 800-841-3401.

Bill McFallMarket Representative

The Market Leader in Hampton Roads, VA & North America

780 Pilot House Drive, Building 400B Newport News, VA 23606

office: 757-873-6731 • cell: 757-286-6731 • fax: 757-273-8275email: [email protected]

www.RealEstateBookHR.com

Cell (757) 870-1266Office (757) 488-6434

bankatunion.com/timblowe

Union Mortgage Group, Inc.

603 Pilot House Drive Suite 225 - Newport News, VA 23606

Tim Blowe

MORTGAGE NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Restrictions may apply. Information and/or data is subject to change without notice. Allloans are subject to credit approval. Not all loans or products are available in all states. Union Mortgage Group, NMLS#: 173406 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

NMLS# 476397 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

[email protected]

Branch Manager

Termite Control Warranty Termite & Moisture Inspection Reports Termite & Moisture Damage Repairs Integrated Pest Management Bee & Wasp Treatment & Removal Specialized Rodent Control Prompt & Quality Service

Bed Bug Service Dehumidifier Sales and Installation Moisture & Fungus Control Review of Inspection Report with Agent / Property

Manager ADVANCE Termite Colony Elimination System

Reach us on the Peninsula and Southside

Phone: 757-599-3621 Fax: 599-5867

Email: [email protected]

“Recognized in the Top 100 exterminating companies nationwide by PCT since 2003”

“Delivering quality services and value to all of our customers, with consistent output and continuous attention to detail.”

12484 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23606

SPECIALIZING IN TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL WARRANTY FOR SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA

Termite Control Warranty Termite & Moisture Inspection Reports Termite & Moisture Damage Repairs Integrated Pest Management Bee & Wasp Treatment & Removal Specialized Rodent Control Prompt & Quality Service

Bed Bug Service Dehumidifier Sales and Installation Moisture & Fungus Control Review of Inspection Report with Agent / Property

Manager ADVANCE Termite Colony Elimination System

Reach us on the Peninsula and Southside

Phone: 757-599-3621 Fax: 599-5867

Email: [email protected]

“Recognized in the Top 100 exterminating companies nationwide by PCT since 2003”

“Delivering quality services and value to all of our customers, with consistent output and continuous attention to detail.”

12484 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23606

SPECIALIZING IN TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL WARRANTY FOR SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA

Interested in advertising your company ? Click here for our 2015 Adverstising Information

or call us at 757-599-5222 today.

http://vpar.org/PDF/On-line%20Advertising%20Information.pdf


The PeninsulaPerspective by Jim Wetzel, RCE CEO

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a REALTOR® was stirring, not even a mouse; The riders were hung

by the yard signs with care, In hopes that the buyers soon would be there; The Brokers were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of commissions danced in their heads; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of

midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and

quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and

Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—and then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and

soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the

snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not

a word, but went straight to his work, And filled his offer; then signed with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”


Peninsula REALTOR® December 2015

Documents