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Hampton
Roads REALTOR ®
VOL. 42, ISSUE 3 • MARCH 2021
Show
Green
Me The
ALSO INSIDE:
8 Virginia’s ‘green’ initiatives, legislation
shape our state’s present and future
12 QQMA: the life-changing formula
34 Elements of an energy-efficient house
CONTENTS Hampton
Roads REALTOR ®
FEATURES 32 5 things to know about
water damage
Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association
Chairman of the Board: Tanya Monroe
34 Elements of an energy-
4 HRRA volunteers: “movers” efficient house Chairman-Elect: Barbara Sgueglia
and shakers! 38 Alpha College second-quarter
Vice-Chairman Finance: Jeremy Caleb Johnson
Immediate Past Chair: Cindy Hawks White
7 Knowledge helps you make class schedule
Executive Committee: Margaret Richardson, Remona
your own luck 40 Come Zoom with HRRA
Murmillo, Sherri Thaxton
8 Virginia’s “green” initiatives,
legislation shape our state’s DIRECTORS:
present and future
IN EVERY ISSUE Leigh Anne Parks Christie Woytowitz
10 Stand apart from the crowd! Lee Cross Betsy Hughes
11 Are your systems ready for Ken Boyer David Tunnicliffe
the season? 3 From the Chair Jimmy Jackson Monique McClellan
Emil Nazaryan Nelene Gibbs
13 Volunteering and your 5 A Picture is Worth
mental health 1,000 Words Jennifer Cool Lee Halyard
Jon McAchran Alan Thompson
14 Legislators, elected officials 6 CEO Corner
Linda Harrison
go “green” as byproduct of
9 Thank you to our 2021
pandemic
HRRA Partners
15 March brings Ides, Madness
12 Motivational Corner Hampton Roads REALTOR® Magazine
and Irish cheer, but did you
know the ties to real estate? 17 HRRPAC Spotlight This magazine is published 11 times per year by the
16 Your contribution helps 24 REALTOR Spotlight
® Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association, Inc. (HRRA), 638
HRRPAC achieve advocacy Independence Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23320.
27 Affiliate Spotlight
18 Are you empowered?
30 Legal Corner HRRA reserves the right to edit or refuse all submissions for
19 Do the right thing and right will publication. HRRA reserves the right to receive royalties from
come to you 39 Welcome New Members some programs and services. Views and advertising expressed
20 5 things a home inspector might in this magazine are not necessarily those of, nor endorsed by,
find in an older home HRRA. The Hampton Roads REALTOR® was created for the
22 Beyond the deals:
remembering human
ADVERTISERS members of HRRA by BIZPORT.
connection in a time of Editor: Victoria Hecht, vhecht@HRRA.com
uncertainty Advertising Sales: Misty Pritchett, mpritchett@hrra.com
TowneBank – 4
Design/Layout: BIZPORT
23 Community associations
need more than luck to be AAFMAA Mortgage Services – 6 Copyright © Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association; all
successful Hanger Law – 6 rights reserved.
25 E-commerce vs. brick and Prosper Insurance – 10
mortar: Shaping the future
of retail Tidewater Mortgage Services – 17
26 Get to know our HRRA Affiliates, Fulton Mortgage – 22
and don’t forget to make use of
That’s Who We R campaign Old Republic Home Protection – 22
28 Working around low Taskativity – 27
inventory, one home renovation Home Clean Heroes – 29
loan at a time
Titlequest – 40
29 10 tips to a tidier home
31 Embrace positive change and
educational opportunities for
awareness, inclusion in 2021
2 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021
FROM THE CHAIR
Commit to excellence to grow
your ‘green’
“
Show me the GREEN!” In March, we celebrate St.
Patrick Day. It’s a holiday known for its parades,
shamrocks, leprechauns and all things Irish, plus
the color of green. The four-leaf shamrock is a symbol
of good luck.
Well, even though we love to celebrate this holiday,
we as HRRA members do not need luck to be a successful
organization! With great membership, dedicated https://www.c2ex.realtor/ and taking any one of 11
Tanya Monroe, CRB, volunteers, planning and participation, our self-assessments to measure your proficiency
C-RETS, PMN, GRI, success is “GREEN”! in 10 aspects of professionalism (11 for
ABR, PSA, ePRO, But one way I can show you the brokers), ranging from customer
AHWD, SFR, C2Ex “green” as a member is to make service to use of technology. The
sure you are aware of the Na- This endorsement platform generates a customized
2021 HRRA tional Association of REAL- learning path and recommends
Chairman of the TORS® (NAR) Commitment to elevates your experiences and resources
Board Excellence (C2EX) endorse- professional growth, to enhance your individual
ment. NAR’s Commitment to skillset.
Excellence endorsement is at which in turn impacts In addition, there
no cost to you as member of the success of are webinars designed to
NAR. The impact that Com- help you better understand
mitment to Excellence can your business. I am the Commitment to Excellence
have on your business is huge. showing you the platform and its capabilities.
This endorsement elevates The C2EX Program
your professional growth, which GREEN! webinars are aimed at REALTORS®
in turn impacts the success of your interested in earning the C2EX
business. I am showing you the GREEN! endorsement. Covering program features,
In addition, C2EX empowers REALTORS® to success and current announcements, these webinars
evaluate, enhance and showcase their highest levels of will help listeners boost their marketability and
professionalism. It's not a course, class or designation; professionalism. These webinars are held monthly
it's an endorsement that REALTORS® can promote and hosted by dedicated C2EX Committee members
when serving clients and other REALTORS®. There and staff. Check out https://www.nar.realtor/
are now over 50,000 NAR members participating in the commitment-to-excellence-c2ex/c2ex-webinars.
program. Keep in mind, the journey doesn't end there.
As a managing broker, I earned my “Broker” The Commitment to Excellence Program evolves as
C2EX endorsement soon after C2EX’s launch a industry standards and best practices evolve. As new
few years ago. Also, I have encouraged my entire content, reference and resource materials are added
office to do so as well. Today, I have over 30 agents to the platform, REALTORS® who have earned their
who are C2EX endorsed! My office/brokerage was C2EX endorsement receive a notification inviting them
recognized by NAR in 2019. I encourage you, too, to back to engage and keep their skills and knowledge up
start your C2EX journey. It’s a great way to learn to date.
about everything available to you as a REALTOR®. In addition, as of November 2019, members
What I really like about this Endorsement, who earn the C2EX endorsement will satisfy
is that the learning can be done online in the Code of Ethics training requirement.
modules on your time. You can use C2EX on Be committed to excellence with this award-
your mobile device as well. winning program, and show yourself the “GREEN.” No
Get started on your journey today by logging at luck needed to achieve your greatest potential! ⌂
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 3
HRRA volunteers: “movers” and shakers! Jan. 27 was a wonderful (and busy!) Wednesday in the HRRA house! To better configure the building to meet the needs of a growing association, big-hearted member volunteers gave their time as “movers” and shakers...literally! Thanks for the muscle and dedication, folks. Stay tuned for more good stuff to come to the HRRA headquarters building, and thanks to all who have pitched in with their time, talents and resources as HRRA continues to grow as a strong, self-managed REALTORS® association in 2021. – Victoria Hecht, Vice President of Communications, Public Relations and Media Relations 4 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021
A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words
RECENT PHOTOS OF HRRA MEMBERS AND EVENTS
REALTORS® Have a Heart for Edmarc!
Snow? What snow? A little chilly weather can’t keep a good REALTOR® (or Affiliate!) from community service. REALTORS® Have a Heart
for Portsmouth-based Edmarc Hospice for Children, and in February HRRA’S Community Involvement Advisory (CIA) Group volunteers
bundled up to visit the nonprofit’s headquarters for some pre-spring landscaping, pond cleaning and outdoor building repairs. Box lunches
were generously provided by Affiliate sponsor Jennifer Franklin of Planet Home Lending. Big thanks go to all volunteers for coming out and
for helping to make HRRA’s CIA activities successful. Check out the event video on HRRA’s official Facebook page. Next up, REALTORS®
Have a Heart will head to Norfolk to the Ronald McDonald House for a spring cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon April 6. (Don’t forget to dress
comfortably and to wear your mask!) To volunteer, email vhecht@hrra.com with “Ronald McDonald House” in the subject line.
– Victoria Hecht, Vice President of Communications, Public Relations and Media Relations
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 5
CEO CORNER
Building a stronger association
for you
H
ello, HRRA! January was certainly an exciting Louis and Misty Pritchett. We are so fortunate that so
month as I had my first day in office on the many felt such loyalty to HRRA.
18th of the month. I am very proud to be the Virginia REALTORS® was incredibly helpful in this
CEO of this phenomenal organization. process, literally loaning us Adam Smith as a project
Many of you may not be aware that HRRA recently manager for two months. The leadership of HRRA
underwent a huge transition – from being managed kept things afloat. I have seen so many volunteers in
by an external company (for 20-plus years) as one of the board office willing to help while I staffed up and
many clients to standing on its own as a self-managed rearranged things to be more efficient.
Dr. Dawn Kennedy, organization. I cannot thank some of the Young Professionals
CAE, RCE, C2EX, I hope all brokers join me at the Owners/Managers Network men enough for working all day moving
GREEN, ePRO Council meeting by Zoom at 3 p.m. March 9 to learn furniture and equipment as we shrank the office space
what this means in detail and how it impacts this for a much smaller staff and to make room for potential
HRRA CEO organization. (Register here.) renters. Immediate Past Chairman Cindy Hawks
For this article I will keep it short and sweet: HRRA White spent days configuring phone lines, email boxes
has been given back to its members. and alarm systems and serving our tenants. Chairman-
While a few brave souls from the management Elect Barbara Sgueglia was on the phones returning
company opted to stay, I will be staffing up to ensure member calls during the dues rush, and Chairman of
the best service possible to the HRRA membership. In the Board Chairwoman Tanya Monroe answered calls
its first month of self-management the small staff team, and emails while continuing the work of the transition
shrinking from 21 to 5, worked diligently to keep our to self-management.
heads above water. So many have given so much to ensure that you,
I think it is incredibly important that we thank the membership of HRRA, will have an association that
those who opted to stay and brave the unknown while brings you value daily.
working under extreme stress due to the decreased size Our goal is to serve you in a way that increases
of the staff team: Connie Lewis, Denise Barnes, Howard your profitability and ease of doing business. We will do
Williams and Victoria Hecht (yes, I was one of the five that through legislative advocacy, education, tech tools
initially working remotely from St. Louis starting in and improving the quality of life in the communities we
January). serve.
Within weeks of my start date three other former There are so many good things to come, and we all
employees returned to the fold: Gretchen Heal, Linda get to be a part of it! ⌂
Trusted Real Estate Attorneys
Real Estate Closings Title Issues
Loan Refinancing Investors
Short Sale Negotiation Contracts
Landlord/Tenant Disputes Zoning and Land Use
www.hangerlaw.com 757-351-1510
6 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021
Knowledge helps you make
your own luck
A
re you feeling lucky? March is often associated So, how do you get lucky in the crazy market we are
with St. Patrick’s Day and feeling lucky. Good in? There is no doubt that we have the lowest amount
luck is a natural human desire. Who does of active inventory. In some areas we have under a one-
not welcome a little luck when it comes to holding the month supply! This means that it can be an extremely
winning lottery ticket or getting that big sale? stressful market for buyers and their agents. And,
But is luck pure chance, or can you take steps to unfortunately, it is leaving some agents and their buyers
have more luck in your life? feeling not so lucky.
When it comes to defining luck in real To have the best opportunity to get
estate, it is too often heard that “they lucky with your offers you need to:
Alan Thompson,
CRS, GRI
were just lucky” when talking It is great to 1. Make sure and prepare your
about another person’s success.
They were lucky to get the
business plan buyers upfront for the market we
have.
Chair, Resale Council
listing because of so and so, every year, but do 2. Discuss with the listing
and they were lucky to get the you just plan for agent before submitting the
million-dollar buyer because
they were on floor duty. They
the best? Or do offer any specific or special
requirements the sellers may
were lucky to get the deal you also plan for need or are looking for.
because of their spouse, etc. what you will do 3. Ensure that your offer
I personally believe in luck.
I have been very lucky in my life
if things don’t go is complete and easy for the
listing agent to handle and
and in my career, but I strongly perfectly? submit. (One thing that comes to
believe in a quote from a Roman mind here is putting the entire offer
philosopher that states, “Luck is what with all addendums, lender letter or any
happens when preparation meets opportunity.” other items in of PDF so it is easy for the listing
How can we be prepared to be lucky in real estate? agent.)
It starts with planning. It is great to business plan every 4. Make sure and submit in your email offer any
year, but do you just plan for the best? Or do you also flexibility that your buyer has to help accommodate the
plan for what you will do if things don’t go perfectly? sellers.
I learned in the military that you must always plan One way to get your share of luck is to always be
for contingencies and what you will do when things don’t learning, improving and growing. Consider completing
go as planned. We need to do that in our real estate a REALTOR® designation course this year. The top ones
business and transactions also. from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
There is no doubt that 2020 held a few surprises are Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified
that no one planned for, and one thing is certain: Real Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate, REALTOR®
estate is always changing the plan. Institute (GRI) or Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).
The next way to be lucky is to be knowledgeable. Even better, for March how about you go for NAR’s
Have you noticed that some people always seem to be in GREEN designation? This is designed for agents
the right place at the right time? I believe that happens looking to learn about issues on energy efficiency and
because they were students of the market and in the sustainability in real estate.
business of real estate. They study trends, patterns, Remember, you are already lucky every day. You are
and as Wayne Gretzky said, “Skate to where the puck is a REALTOR® in the USA! ⌂
going to be, not to where it has been.”
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 7
Virginia’s ‘‘green’’ initiatives,
legislation shape our state’s
present and future
A
s the days get longer and the weather starts While bills banning plastic bags have failed in the
to warm up, professionally we look forward past years, this new section of the code will permit a
to new listings and, personally, we begin to 5-cent tax per bag to be charged to consumers. There
freshen our yards with flowers and plants. It is the are a few exceptions to this, including the bags used
beginning of the greening of our outside world. to keep things frozen or cold at a grocery store, dry
These days when people talk about “green,” they cleaning bags and bags used by pharmacies for
are often referring to clean energy projects. prescription drugs. Isle of Wight County is the
Sticking with this month’s theme, I first legislative body that has discussed
Kimberly Plourde
thought I would share an update implementing this new tax.
on the projects we have here in The Dominion Other “green” initiatives
Hampton Roads. considered by the state this
Chair, Government
Energy Offshore Wind
Affairs Committee The largest project is year include local financing
one you cannot necessarily
Project is in Phase 1 with options for installation
see unless you are in a boat two turbines now, but in by property owners of
or airplane 25 miles off the the next five years there clean energy, resiliency or
Virginia coast. The Dominion will be 180 additional stormwater management
Energy Offshore Wind Project improvements; permitting
turbines supplying up to
is in Phase 1 with two turbines localities to require tree
now, but in the next five years
600,000 homes replacement for development
there will be 180 additional with power. projects, particularly when it has
turbines supplying up to 600,000 impacted stormwater requirements
homes with power. or is an area with recurrent flooding;
Dominion recently provided the Virginia and preventing the release of large numbers of
Beach City Council with an update of the project and balloons into the air.
shared that this project, when fully operational, will We will be providing you with a complete update
be the equivalent of taking more than 1 million non- on new laws that will take effect on July 1, 2021, in the
electric equivalent cars off the road for one year or April edition of this HRRA magazine.
planting more than 80 million trees. In other local government notes, the Virginia
In addition to being one of the first types of the Beach City Council voted to release $22 million for
projects in the United States, it also has the potential to capital improvement projects that had been previously
make Hampton Roads the hub for the supply chain for approved but later paused to due to COVID-19.
the wind turbine industry. At a minimum it will create The biggest is $7 million for improvements to
1,100 new jobs in our area over the next few years. Winston-Salem Avenue at the Oceanfront, a corridor
Not to leave solar out of the discussion, Dominion that runs alongside the Rudee Inlet marina district.
also has 17 solar projects being developed throughout Utilities will be moved underground, stormwater
the state, including several here in Hampton Roads, in drainage will be upgraded, and new sidewalks will be
James City County and on the Eastern Shore. built. Construction will begin in the fall of 2022 and be
Pending outcomes of the Virginia General Assembly completed by 2025. ⌂
there could be additional changes that highlight green
initiatives locally, but in 2020 Virginia added a new
section to the code that permits localities to tax for one-
use plastic bags at stores.
8 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021
Thank You to our 2021 HRRA Partners
GOLD SILVER
BRONZE
COPPER
AMBASSADOR
Morgan Stanley
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 9
Stand apart from the crowd!
A
re you utilizing the National Association But that’s not all you’ll
of REALTORS (NAR) That’s Who We R
®
find there. The page includes
campaign resources to boost your profile all kinds of downloadables to
and distinguish you as a REALTOR®? Here’s a quick use in your own REALTOR®
and easy way to get started: Use the That’s Who We R marketing and branding. Show your REALTOR®
Zoom backgrounds! pride! Stay tuned to your HRRA social media,
HRRA That’s Who We R Advisory Group members eREALTOR, website and more for more info about
Mike Semmendinger and Katie Verhalen created a NAR’s That’s Who We R resources and the work of
Victoria Hecht
helpful tutorial video to walk you through the process. HRRA’s That’s Who We R Advisory Group.
Check it out here on HRRA’s official Facebook page, Thanks go to Mike and Katie for this handy video
Vice President of
Communications,
then hop over to NAR’s That’s Who We R campaign resource! ⌂
Public Relations and assets here to download one of three backdrops.
Media Relations
757-248-5973 prosper.insurance
10 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021Are your systems ready for the
season?
A
s spring approaches, we know that there will productive. Property management is a series of
soon be people moving. Leases are coming up repeatable processes and scalability that requires we
for renewal, and many of our tenants will opt document those processes and create templates that can
to move up or move out for other reasons. be easily implemented.
You may also find that many of your “accidental I am fortunate to be a part of a large national
landlords” will choose to take advantage of this franchise with documented processes in place, but
unprecedented seller’s market and opt to sell the occasionally there are tasks or processes that
rental home. develop that are specific to us here in
Do you have solid systems in Hampton Roads. When that occurs
Rodney Fentress
place and are they ready for this We want to the employee who handles the task
Vice Chair, Property
flurry of activity?
make sure that is asked to document the process
At our company we contact so that any other current or
Management and
each of our landlords in we have accurate future employee can execute
Leasing Council
December and invite them information on file for that process in the same
to schedule a call with us
each owner. We want manner.
in January. We do this for This helps to
several reasons. We want to make sure that we provide a consistent consumer
to make sure that we have are aligned with their experience which is the key to
accurate information on file for
desires for the a sustainable and successful
each owner. We want to make business. We are currently
sure that we are aligned with their rental home. working on systematizing our
desires for the rental home. communication touch points with
Have you ever renewed a lease with tenants and owners using email and video.
a tenant just to have the owner later say that We have created an email template folder with
they did not want to renew for whatever reason? These many of the emails that we have to send out regularly
calls eliminate that possibility, and they also provide a so that anyone on the team can copy and paste those
positive touch point with our clients. We all know that, emails to make sure our message is consistent.
in property management, no news is good news, and this With our Google-based system we can schedule
can create a situation where we never actually speak to emails in advance and be very proactive. We are also
our clients unless there is a problem. experimenting with a Google plug-in called “Loom” that
Have you ever called an owner just to have them will allow us to shoot short videos and send them out to
answer with, “Oh no, what’s wrong?” We also use these our clients and tenants through email.
calls to try to avoid that. We are also able to provide value The use of video is another important component of
to our clients in these calls by updating them on market the consistency we are providing to those we serve, and
conditions, updating them on maintenance concerns once a video is recorded it can be used forever or as long
and preparing them for potential future maintenance as the subject matter is relevant.
needs. If you have not yet incorporated video into your
As property managers we are more than glorified property management business, I would encourage you
bill collectors, and these calls allow us to solidify our to start. You will find it to be an incredible productivity
bond with our clients by delivering value and reminding hack that can give you a lot of your time back.
them of some of the things we are doing for them behind Take this opportunity to evaluate everything and
the scenes. prepare for a successful spring and summer 2021! ⌂
At the beginning of each year, we also evaluate
our systems and make needed adjustments to remain
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 11MOTIVATIONAL CORNER
QQMA: the life-changing
formula
H
ave you ever been to Chick-fil-A? If yes, arguably the most important one.
wouldn’t you agree there is something about Are you currently using this formula, maybe even
this place that sets it apart from other fast- unconsciously? Let’s find out! Ask yourself the following
food joints? Of course, its sandwiches are juicy and questions:
fresh. Of course, it has a variety of delicious choices on • Am I producing the highest quality work I’m capable
the menu. of?
But there is one more, and perhaps the • Am I producing it in the highest quantity
most important element, that Chick- I’m capable of?
Emil Nazaryan
fil-A raises above the crowd. It’s
the attitude of their employees.
You must • What is my mental attitude in
which I perform these services?
The genuine smiles that you remember that If they are honest with
the formula works
At-Large Member, can hear in their voices, their themselves, most people will
HRRA Board of politeness, speed of service, see that they answer “yes” to
Directors patience and bright attitude! ONLY if all three one or two of these questions.
Doesn’t this sound like Indeed, rare are the people
a winning formula? That’s components are who can claim all three.
because it is! It’s called the
QQMA formula.
present and Those are the people that
stand out wherever they are
Napoleon Hill, the author utilized and you can spot them right
of the best-selling self-help away. You must remember that
book of all time, “Think and Grow habitually. the formula works ONLY if all
Rich,” defined this success formula three components are present and
as follows: “Quality + Quantity + Mental utilized habitually.
Attitude” (QQMA). He stresses that the surest way So, how can you start? Start watching your actions
to succeed in life is by utilizing this formula as a habit. and mental attitude. When you are doing something,
I 100% agree with him. anything, recall the questions above. Use phone
reminders, sticky notes or even ask others to remind
Now let’s break it down. What does it really mean? you.
I promise, the mere asking of the questions will
Let’s say you just got hired at an entry position as encourage you to improve the quantity, quality and
a receptionist. How can you use the QQMA? Quality mental attitude right then and there. The revelation
would be answering the calls in a professional manner, will come after you make this into a habit, which
being polite and addressing the needs of the callers. means you have to consciously practice it for months,
Quantity would not only include doing the above even years, to realize the full benefits.
consistently day in and day out, but also doing things Where can you use it? In everything you do.
above and beyond your duty. The benefits of this in the work/professional life are
You may decide to wipe the surfaces throughout the obvious. But have you thought what this could do in
building, bring a little flower arrangement to make the your personal life? For your relationships? Washing the
lobby more welcoming, or you may undertake to help dishes, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, cooking
others at the office when you’re not busy answering the dinner, picking up the kids?
calls. And last, but not least, you must do all of the Instead of showing your partner attitude for
above with a huge smile, genuine enthusiasm and do having done those things while they were out having
this consistently. fun, perform those tasks with a smile on your face.
That is the mental attitude portion of the formula, When they come back to a spotless home, showered
(continued on next page...)
12 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021Volunteering and your mental health
H
appy March! Can you believe this month And of course, it helps the beneficiaries of all that
closes out the first quarter of 2021? hard work!
Winston Churchill said, “We make a living As real estate professionals, it’s in our nature
by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” to help others. Whatever we give, whether it’s time,
It was a busy February for HRRA’s Community work or encouragement, our bodies release a feel-good
Involvement Advisory (CIA) Group, which oversees hormone called dopamine. This creates a feeling of
HRRA’s REALTORS® Have a Heart volunteer program. purpose and fulfillment.
We had a great group of volunteers turn out for our In turn, this gives you a sense of satisfaction and
first event of 2021. feelings of gratification.
Yvonne Covey
This event was held at Edmarc Hospice for In most cases, volunteers report that they end
Children in downtown Portsmouth. Volunteers worked up getting more out of it than they expected. And, in
Vice Chair,
hard to clean up the grounds, beautify the garden area, some situations, you may learn a new skill, find your
Community
hang and repair shutters, and clean out the pond. We purpose, or feel more optimistic about the future- a
Involvement Advisory
also enjoyed the beauty of snow falling while we were win-win for all!
Group
there! (You’ll find photos of that event in this issue.) Please join REALTORS® Have a Heart to volunteer
Did you know that volunteering can help your on April 6 from 10 a.m. to noon (please arrive at 9:45
mental health? Numerous studies have shown that a.m.) as we help out at the Ronald McDonald House
you can reduce stress through the simple act of in Norfolk. We will do cleaning and grounds cleanup,
volunteering. For some, it gives a sense of satisfaction so please dress comfortably. Our events are normally
and purpose, while in others it helps them feel more two hours, followed by lunch (when permissible)
connected to a loved one or simply to their chosen provided by a generous sponsor. You may sign up now
charity. by emailing “Ronald McDonald House” in the subject
Because the act of volunteering brings people of line to Community Involvement Advisory Group staff
different ages and backgrounds together, it increases liaison Victoria Hecht at vhecht@hrra.com.
a sense of empathy and connection to each other and Remember these words from Heather French
to the world around them when they are united in a Henry: “Volunteering is at the very core of being a
common purpose or goal. human. No one has made it through life without
someone else’s help.” ⌂
(Motivational Corner, continued from previous page)
kids, yummy three-course dinner waiting on the table, welcome The world is yours. Once you have overcome the victim
them with a flower and not with a thorn. Using this formula in attitude of not being appreciated, you have conquered yourself,
your relationships habitually can transform them beyond your and you have conquered the world. And I absolutely guarantee that
imagination. if you make this formula into a habit, the world around you will
Beware of the breaking point. You will (and you do) face change.
temptations all the time. It goes something like this: “Well, I’ve It’s bound to change. There is no alternative to this. You will
been doing all these things for him or her for so long, and yet they earn frequent promotions, people will be attracted to you, you will
are not noticing what I do. Why should I keep going? I am not being shine like a super-bright projector light amongst dim 10-watt light
appreciated.” bulbs. Worldly success will find you. You will grow your imagination,
This last sentence is what blocks your progress, growth and your creativity and skills.
happiness. This is your breaking point. But above all, you will learn that the gratification, the
You will not succeed in using the QQMA formula until you contentment, the happiness you’ve been searching for have been
have learned to answer this obstacle the right way. Can you guess within you all along. The doors will open to a new whole life.
what it is? Here it goes: “Well, who cares if others appreciate what
I’m doing or not? I’m doing this not for them but for myself, for So, now I have three questions for you:
my conscience, for my self-worth. I’m doing this because it spurs • Are you producing the highest quality you’re capable of?
happiness within me knowing that I’m providing the highest- • Are you producing the highest quantity you’re capable of?
quality, highest-quantity, and I do it with a giant smile on my face. • What is your mental attitude right now? ⌂
This alone is my biggest reward!”
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 13Legislators, elected officials go
‘‘green’’ as byproduct of pandemic
O
ur theme for this month’s magazine is all things daily calendars, legislation, amendments to legislation,
“green,” including environmentally friendly and flurry of other printed items to support the day-
topics. One byproduct of COVID-19 in relation to-day operations. This year that has been reduced to
to government is the small “green” impact it has had on nearly nothing with members, staff, lobbyists and the
travel for elected officials but also the amount of paper public relying on online access to these items.
used for printing reports, agendas and legislation. We are just starting to see signs of a phase back to
As we approach the one-year mark for in-person meetings for localities and a return
when the world paused to respond to the to projects that had previously been put
Gretchen Heal virus, and while we have all adjusted on hold by elected officials while
Government Affairs
our lifestyle in various ways, our
governing officials have also
This lack of they took time to respond to the
pandemic.
Director
altered the way they meet and travel also extends One sign that we may see
to our local
interact with the public. a few in-person meetings of
For the past year the public bodies this month is
seven localities in Hampton councils, boards the Virginia Beach Planning
Roads that we monitor have Commission’s indication that
approached their governing and commissions, it will hold a public hearing in-
at various different levels of
limited in-person meetings to
which also meet person for the proposed changes
to the Short-Term Rental sections
complete virtual meetings. At virtually. of the code in March.
the General Assembly, the Houses Additionally, Virginia Beach has
of Delegates is completely virtual, and recently released $22 million in funding for
the Senate is in Session at the Science Museum several capital improvement projects that had been
of Virginia but in a closed environment that does not put on hold at the beginning of the pandemic.
permit the public to attend. The biggest is $7 million for improvements to
This approach to governing has meant a reduction Winston-Salem Avenue at the Oceanfront, a corridor that
in the travel that many people would typically take to runs alongside the Rudee Inlet marina district. Utilities
Richmond at this time of year. Beyond the members will be moved underground, stormwater drainage will be
and staff to support them, there are groups of citizens upgraded, and new sidewalks will be built. Construction
who would travel to the Richmond to visit, including will begin in the fall of 2022 and be completed by 2025.
some of the members of HRRA. This is the first year Another project that has been on hold is sand
since REALTOR® Day on the Hill began that it had to be assessments and replenishment from Rudee Inlet to
cancelled. 89th Street; $2.5 million will be injected back into the
This lack of travel also extends to our local councils, beach program.
boards and commissions, which also meet virtually. These are a few of the ways we are seeing a return to
The benefit to this is you can watch every meeting on what we used to call normal. It will be interesting to see
your laptop, but the drawback is that networking and if the “green” impacts that resulted from the pandemic
relationship building becomes more challenging. will remain in place when it comes to government and
A typical day in Richmond during the General how communication with the public is managed. ⌂
Assembly would produce several hundred copies of the
14 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021March brings Ides, Madness and
Irish cheer, but did you know the
ties to real estate?
T
he Ides of March, March Madness and Happy Irish meal (usually Irish stew), and toasting life with
St. Patrick’s Day: In our real estate world each lots of green beer.
of these notable terms or dates is relatable. For me, it meant we were on the verge of spring and
The Ides of March is a date on the Roman calendar, a magical time of renewal. Plus, as New Englanders, we
the 15th of March, and was noted as a deadline for would soon be thawing out! For REALTORS®, it’s a good
settling debts. In our real estate world, settling debts time to take stock of where we are in our businesses as
could be considered the same as time stamps we close in on the end of the first quarter.
on contingencies or settlement on our Better yet, it’s a time to look at
contracts. what’s working for your business and
Brenda Tokarz
Sometimes we are able to settle In real estate, what’s not (including advertising,
Chair, REALTOR®/
everything with no major issues
especially in our marketing and budgets).
or challenges, but other times it The National Association
Lawyer Committee
can be the death (can you say region, we think of of REALTORS®, Virginia
“PICRA”?) for all involved! March Madness REALTORS® and Hampton
In keeping with a real estate
as the time when Roads REALTORS® Association
theme, “Caveat Emptor,” or (HRRA) all have valuable
buyer beware, is in keeping most people decide resources to help you in doing
with this most auspicious day they’re ready to just that.
as well.
move or think about When was the last time
Shakespeare, in his play you took advantage of the
“The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” a move. free materials, seminars and
noted the Ides of March as the educational programs each website
day Julius Caesar was killed, and this has available? Or how about the many
became a huge turning point in Roman history. discounts our Affiliate companies offer to us
Hence, the admonition, “Beware the Ides of March.” through each of the associations?
March Madness, an American term, is when the And let’s not forget HRRA's many monthly
National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball meetings, educational training sessions, councils,
teams play against each other in an elimination period leadership programs, committees, advocacy and
to determine the national championship. government affairs, and the various businesses in legal
In real estate, especially in our region, we think of and financial practices that work closely with our city,
March Madness as the time when most people decide state and federal governments to protect and serve real
they’re ready to move or think about a move, and we estate professionals and the general public.
compete in terms of winning listings, bids on contracts It is easy to lose sight of the many services available
and the personal relationships we can build during this to us through our affiliation as REALTORS® with HRRA.
busy time of year. But I hope this March, besides looking for the four-leaf
By far, though, my personal favorite March date is clovers and chasing leprechauns, you'll take a second to
the 17th, which is St. Patrick’s Day with its wearing of look into the many resources available to us so that we
the green, well wishes of luck, and the leprechauns we as REALTORS® can help educate, serve and protect not
cherish while searching for that pot of gold at the end of only ourselves, but our clients and the general public.
every rainbow. I will leave you with this beautiful Irish proverb:
Growing up, with my father being of Irish descent "May the dreams you hold dearest be those that come
we always celebrated this special holiday, very often with true and the kindness you spread keep returning to
family and friends gathered around a big table singing you.” ⌂
(out of tune, of course) Irish songs, eating a traditional
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 15Your contribution helps HRRPAC
achieve advocacy
I
am so excited about my year as chair of the Hampton
Roads REALTORS® Political Action Committee
(HRRPAC). In January, we began developing a
plan for HRRPAC. We have begun to execute a plan to
achieve not only our local goals, but also goals that will
make us more competitive at the state level.
Achieving these goals is important to every
member as it helps support our advocacy You can also contribute by check by
programs. These programs allow us to either mailing or dropping off at the
Katrina Venable engage in a variety of civic and local HRRA office.
government initiatives, as well as Depending on your
Chair, HRRPAC
Fundraising
with members of the General
Assembly.
Your support contribution level, you will
be recognized in a variety of
Committee We will begin with
reaching out to Major
allows our voices ways either at the office, on
the website or in this HRRA
Investors from past years to be heard magazine.
to renew their support. I Your support allows our
would like to recognize a at all levels of voices to be heard at all levels
few that already have made of government. Elected officials
a contribution toward their government. are making decisions every day
individual goals. that impact our industry and the
Taking the lead is 2021 HRRA lives of the clients we serve.
Chairman of the Board Tanya Monroe This is why our advocacy teams at the
at the Golden “R” level. In addition to Tanya, national, state and local levels are regularly
Deborah Baisden, John Powell and Jimmy Jackson monitoring new legislation introduced or policies
have already contributed at the Sterling “R” level. in local communities. They then work with officials to
While this is a great start, we have a goal of 40 ensure our position is heard and incorporated into the
Major Investors this year and at least 1,400 members way laws are written.
participating in HRRPAC. To achieve this goal we need I will be highlighting some of the topics that our
YOUR help. advocacy team works on throughout the year, starting
Here is how you can help: Use the link HERE to this month with the shortage of appraisers and their
donate. There are a variety of levels to choose from on qualifications.
the link, and you have an option of setting up a payment The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
plan. is engaged with legislators, regulatory agencies and
While donations to HRRPAC are not tax-deductible, stakeholders on addressing barriers and market
if you use a credit card the contribution could contribute conditions that hinder timely and accurate appraisals.
to a points or miles plan. The site accepts Visa, Master NAR also supports the adoption of revised national
Card, American Express and Discover. You just need minimum requirements for trainee appraisers at the
to enter your NRDS number, and the form will pre- state-level. This would include more flexible education
populate with the information we have on file for you. and work hour requirements for them.
You can then enter the amount of your contribution and This is just one example of why you should support
credit card information. HRRPAC by clicking this link. ⌂
Your Voice in Politics. HRRA.com/HRRPAC
16 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021HRRPAC Contributor
Spotlight
Advocacy topics that interest me: up messages of hope, encouragement or a smile. I’ve
Fair and affordable housing, homeowner rights, and even gotten cards in the mail from neighbors saying
Chesapeake Bay preservation (especially zoning and “thank you” and so many thanks from people walking
stormwater management) or driving by. It’s therapeutic for me and hopefully for
my little piece of the community as well.
Community involvement: Of course, COVID
changed and is still changing what community Why I give to HRRPAC: Full disclosure, I worked
involvement looks like in our world. Personally, I felt with Mary Ross Ellsworth, Tanya Monroe and
it was really important to focus on my neighborhood Ann Palmateer at my former brokerage, and they
and how I could encourage or offer a smile or just were such great advocates of HRRPAC and its
let people know “I’m here and I care about you and accomplishments that I couldn’t consider NOT giving.
know how hard this is, but it’s going to be OK.” I
Christy Young, bake cookies for the firefighters and take treats to Why donating to HRRPAC is important:
C2EX, PSA, AHWD, my friends at my grocery store and pharmacy, and in With all the change and unrest in the country there’s
OWN Real Estate March 2020 put a sign in my yard (on a busy Virginia never been a better time to support these committed
Member since: 2017 Beach street) that said, “It’s going to be OK.” So many and driven advocates speaking on our behalf and
Contributor level: people stopped to take pictures, and I even saw it protecting our rights.
Fair Share on social media. Ever since then I’ve been putting
Want to learn more and become a HRRPAC contributor like Christy?
Visit HRRA.com/HRRPAC to get started.
Congratulations
Courtney LaLonde
2020 Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association
Affiliate Member of the Year
Call Courtney if you are looking to purchase a new home,
second home, investment property or refinance!
Courtney LaLonde 757-971-0343
Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS ID: 1856186 • VA Lic/Reg #: MLO-41366VA
www.tidewatermortgage.com/clalonde
NC Lic/Reg #: I-190904 NMLS ID 71158 | www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 17Are you empowered?
O
ur competition in real estate is fierce, whether job. Real estate transactions require a deep knowledge
you are an agent or a brokerage. I see some of process but also of people. So much of our business is
really great marketing and success stories, based on trust and building personal connections, and
whether they are companies that are just starting out I’ve found that nearly every successful person in the
to companies that have been in the business since the industry will tell you that your relationships will make
beginning of time. or break you in this business.
Seeing these hot new companies makes While agents provide face-to-face interaction
you wonder if you need to tweak or in cultivating relationships with their
make changes to “stay up” with your clients, embracing technology is
Mia Roberson competition. Competition should important too. The top three tech
be embraced, and it should keep
you on your toes and empower
Competition tools that have given the highest
quality of leads are: social media
should be
Vice Chair, Owners/
Managers Council you to adapt. But don’t fall at 47 percent, MLS site at 32
into the trap of continually
re-inventing the wheel.
embraced, and it percent and the brokerage's
website at 21 percent.
My biggest suggestion is should keep you For agents, create an
don’t chase your competition;
believe in what you are doing!
on your toes and environment where past
clients want to use you again
Know that you are creating empower you to and recommend you to their
a platform that will benefit
all of your agents and/or clients. adapt. friends. Make the calls, send the
letters, and knock on the doors.
Be empowered by what you have Network in person and on the web.
accomplished. Be bold! Success in real Tell everyone you are in real estate via
estate sales is dependent on confidence and your social media channels! Always continue
taking risks to get the deal done. to ask for the business.
Whether you are merging, acquisitioning or just For brokerages, create a retention program to
growing, be empowered! remind agents why they landed in your brokerage, and
ask for the referrals. Create culture! (Whew. “Culture”
Let’s break down how: can be another complete two-page article!) Continually
Stand out from the crowd: My favorite quote remind your agents of all the tools they have at their
(anonymous media director) is, “A business that does not fingertips! Remind them being a REALTOR® provides
advertise is like a man winking at a pretty woman in the many resources and tools.
dark room, he knows what he is doing, but she doesn’t.” Don't be afraid to take a risk: The bigger the risk,
Create a memory peg that everyone around you will the bigger the reward. It’s scary to think about, I know. I
remember. remember buying my company from the previous owner
Whether it be an icon, logo design, catch phrase, during a time when we weren’t sure if the real estate
you can brag, boast and be empowered! Make sure your market was going to make it. I did, and I would never
message has impact. Ask yourself, what do you feel is change when and how I did it!
your best quality? Translate that to a slogan or mission But in order to get the deal done, or to increase
statement. Everyone has a unique quality. We have over your client base, you need to step out of your comfort
8,237 real estate agents with over 641 firms, according zone. Invest in your business, whether it’s a CRM,
to REIN, our local multiple listing service (MLS). Are an assistant, more staff or bigger marketing budget.
you standing out? Believe in yourself, your agents and your company. Be
Create relationships: Building relationships with empowered! ⌂
my agents is the most fulfilling and important part of my
18 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021Do the right thing and right will
come to you
G
reetings! Believe it or not, but this article is in Standards Committee – in the chair’s absence, the
keeping with the issue’s “green” theme. Thanks most recent past chair shall chair the advisory board);
to vice chair Elaine Griffin for last month’s the immediate past chair of the advisory board; the
beautiful article pertaining to Article 10 and Standard of chair and vice chair of the Professional Standards
Practice 10-5, which is applicable to each of us. Committee, who shall serve as ex-officio members with
Now, I realize that some of you volunteer and serve a vote of the advisory board; one AEC representative;
on either the Grievance or Professional Standards and 12 at-large members (one of which shall be a
Committee and are extremely knowledgeable local association executive and one of which
of the Code of Ethics. However, shall be a state association executive)
Clyde Cooper Jr., this article is written to provide drawn from the membership of the
additional insight regarding the Profession Standards Committee
Have you ever
CRS, GRI, SFR
Code of Ethics for every member and appointed annually by
at our local association. the chair of the Professional
Chair, Professional
Standards Committee First, what is the purpose asked yourself, what Standards Committee, subject
of the National Association of
REALTORS® (NAR) Professional
ensures consistent, to the approval of the NAR
president.
Standards Committee? This objective, fair So, where is the “green”?
committee advises and makes Keeping reading! Have you
recommendations to the Board enforcement of the ever asked yourself, what
of Directors on matters relating ensures consistent, objective,
to the Code of Ethics. Code of Ethics? fair enforcement of the Code?
Upon request, the committee • Notice of charges, specificity
advises member boards on required
interpretations on the Code. Upon • Adequate time to prepare a defense
receiving notice of lack of enforcement thereof • Opportunity to hear others testimony and
by member boards, the committee inquires into the cross examine them
situation, seeks remedial action and, if necessary, brings • Opportunity to tell your side of the story
to the attention of the Board of Directors or the proper • Right to counsel
official of the association in case of failure or refusal to • Right to impartial body deciding matter
enforce the Code. • Appropriate, authorized sanctions
Its composition is made up on 113 members as • Availability of appeal
follows: chair and vice chair; the immediate past chair; • The 17 Articles of the Code of Ethics
the chair and vice chair of the Professional Standards • 88 Standards of Practice
Forum; one representative from each state and • 145 case interpretations
territorial association; one affiliate representative from • Professional Standards cooperative enforcement
CCIM, REBI, RRC, IREM, RLI, SIOR and WCR; one agreements.
AEC representative; and 46 at-large members, including • 250 pages-plus Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual
a representative segment of state and local association
staff. Hopefully, at this point you are not saying this is
Next, what is the Professional Standards too much information, because this is where the “green”
Interpretations and Procedures Advisory Board? Its theme is truly reflected in this article. Green is the color
purpose is to consider various questions related to of MONEY!
interpretation and enforcement of the Code of Ethics So, undoubtedly, knowledge of the Code of Ethics
and to make recommendations for consideration by the and adherence to the Standards of Practices will afford
Professional Standards Committee. you to retain your hard-earned money while saving you
Its composition is 17 members as follows: chair (who valuable time. How? By living the Code of Ethics as a
shall be the immediate past chair of the Professional REALTOR®. ⌂
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 195 things a home inspector might
find in an older home
Your home
inspector is not a code
H
ampton Roads is host to myriad homes, ranging inspector, and when we
from 19th-century Colonials with basements to encounter these older
modern beachfront houses on pilings.
In Norfolk and Portsmouth, for instance, some older features we usually
homes have building features that are antiquated and note their presence in
not “code-compliant” by today’s construction standards.
In most cases it comes with the territory, and the buyer
the report and advise
can live with knowing they are buying an older home. accordingly.
Your home inspector is not a code inspector, and
Bobby Parker when we encounter these older features we usually
note their presence in the report and advise accordingly. If it is present (in use or abandoned), it is noted in
Summit Home Following is a list of five things a local home inspector the home inspector’s reporting, and it may be
Inspections might find when inspecting an older home. recommended to have it evaluated by a qualified
In particular, I’ve concentrated on the ones we electrician.
encounter when inspecting areas not frequented by the
homeowner, such as the attic, crawl space or inside the
electrical panel.
Aluminum wiring (solid-strand AL)
From around 1965 through 1973, single-strand
aluminum wiring (not to be confused with commonly
used multi-strand AL service wire) was often substituted
Knob-and-tube wiring for copper branch-circuit wiring. It is thought this was in
Used in homes from about 1880 through the 1940s, reaction to the rising price of copper.
knob-and-tube wiring is now considered obsolete. The Over time, it was discovered that the properties of
wiring itself is not actually dangerous. The danger arises single-strand aluminum wiring, the way it reacts after
when it is improperly modified and when insulation the warming and cooling cycle, plus the fact that it tends
covers the wires. In these cases, it could pose a safety or to oxidize when in contact with certain metals, can
fire hazard. create a potential hazard. It can be just as safe as copper
Because it has no ground wire, it cannot service any wire but is susceptible to hazard if installed incorrectly.
three-prong appliances, so it is considered obsolete by The home inspector should report the presence of
today’s standards and not allowed in new construction. aluminum wiring and suggest that it be evaluated by
Code does not call for its removal. Interestingly, the a qualified electrician familiar with and experienced in
porcelain components have an almost unlimited lifespan, evaluating and correcting aluminum wiring problems.
and knob-and-tube wiring is often considered superior to Pictured are “scorched” single-strand aluminum wires
modern Romex wiring. found during an inspection.
(continued on next page...)
20 Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021(continued from previous page)
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels Asbestos pipe insulation
The electrical panel is like the heart of your home’s electrical We’ve all seen the law office commercials offering to represent
system, so it is vital to have a healthy, functional panel. Federal individuals exposed to asbestos and indicating it as a serious health
Pacific Electric “Stab-Lok” service panels were installed in millions hazard. It is vital to note that this is directed towards individuals
of homes between the 1950s and 1980s. The Stab-Lok breakers can who worked in factories and shipyards breathing high levels of the
fail to trip when faced with an overcurrent or short circuit, posing asbestos fibers.
a potential hazard. The breakers are also susceptible to jamming Some houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have used
under certain conditions. asbestos insulation wrapping hot water and steam pipes, boilers
It is important to note that Federal Pacific is no longer in and furnace ducts. When present, it is generally located in the
business. While these panels and breakers can operate properly for crawl space, basement, utility room and/or attic of a home.
years, they can malfunction causing the panel to overheat, creating If you have asbestos in your home, don’t panic. Generally
a hazard. The presence of an FPE panel should be noted by the home speaking, if it is in good shape, do nothing as there is no danger
inspector, and different inspectors have different recommendations unless the asbestos is disturbed and the fibers are released into
in their reports, but evaluation by a qualified electrician may be the air and subsequently inhaled into the lungs. Do not attempt to
advised. repair or remove.
If the presence of asbestos is suspected during a home inspection,
the home inspector will report this and make recommendations
based on visual observations.
Cast iron drain and sewage pipes
Cast iron drain and sewage pipes were used in home
construction up until about 1980 (when PVC was introduced).
They are commonly seen when inspecting the crawl space and
are often buried as they slope toward the sewer main.
This is another case of “it comes with the territory” as most
houses with these pipes have existed with no problem. In fact,
some inspectors have reported seeing 150-year-old cast iron
pipes without any flaws.
However, cast iron pipes rust from the inside out, so it
is nearly impossible to visually detect a problem (unless, of
course, an active leak or external signs are observed). If a leak is
discovered and/or drainage problems are suspected, evaluation
by a qualified plumber will be recommended by your inspector,
and a subsequent sewer scan might be recommended. ⌂
Hampton Roads REALTOR® • March 2021 21You can also read
