Highlights of 2017

 “RAR continues to work incredibly hard for its members. They’re always on top of new legislation, education, and technology—making it easier for members to stay productive and efficient.” – 2017 RAR and CVR MLS President John O’Reilly

 

Your local, state and national associations (RAR, Virginia REALTORS®, NAR) are all at work for you year-round.

Dues breakdown: RAR $175, VR $120, NAR $155

The Federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 eliminated state and federal tax deductions for any portion of dues used for lobbying activities.  The estimated portions allocated for lobbying on behalf of real estate interests are listed below. These figures should be communicated to your tax consultant.

2018 estimated non-deductible portions of dues:

RAR: 11.90% or $20.23, VR: 6.2% or $19.44, NAR: 43% or $52.00

Note that the NAR Consumer Advertising Campaign special assessment of $35 is considered a deductible expense.

 

Boutique Style Education Opportunities

  • Over 200 classes offered
  • 11 designation and certification classes
  • 180 hours of pre-broker education, with the ‘Broker Fast Track’ program and 2-day Exam Prep
  • 58 free MLS classes, with 116 total hours of CE/PLE credit
  • Free quarterly Fair Housing classes, with CE/PLE credit
  • Free quarterly NAR Ethics training, with CE/PLE credit
  • 16 Town Hall Membership Meetings with Attorney Michael Lafayette, with CE/PLE credit
  • 3 Session of $25 Education Weeks—featuring 5 unique classes offering up to 10 hours of CE
  • Summer RE-Fresh with free training from in-class MLS vendors
  • 2017 Leadership Development Academy

 

Events Designed for You

  • Affordable Housing Awareness Week
  • Outstanding Production Awards Reception
  • First member focus group with YPN
  • Varina Showcase with John Vitholkas
  • RE TRENDS with Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Sr. VP of Research at NAR and Barbara Ballinger, design writer
  • REALTORS® Rally Against Hunger at Hallsley with hoarding speaker, Matt Paxton
  • Installation Ceremony and Annual Awards Reception
  • 2 convenient REALTOR® headshot days

 

Consumer Communications (New this year)

  • WeAreTheR.com website was redesigned and a Home Search feature added using the CVR MLS app, Homesnap
  • Live action video campaign produced locally telling consumer to “Leave it to the Realtors”

 

Member Communications (New this year)

  • Launched texting
  • Live video training on social media
  • LISTED Magazine was available online 2 weeks before mail drop

 

Government Affairs (2017 Accomplishments)

  • Facilitated the approval of the Richmond Transit Network Plan (redesign, including GRTC Pulse)
  • Secured a $15,000 grant to support the effort to enact the RVA 2040 Regional Transit Plan
  • Began work on the Henrico Transit Development Plan (GRTC and Henrico realigning with Richmond routes)
  • Worked with County staff on Comprehensive Plan reviews
  • Received $30,000 in grants to fund a VISTA Research Associate for a full year who will produce two reports: the affordable housing needs of seniors; and how local governments can invest to spur private sector reinvestment

Community Development  (2017 Accomplishments)

  • The region’s first Community Land Trust home was built with RAR’s support
  • Organized an Affordable Housing & Community Development Summit with Mayor Stoney
  • NAR recognized RAR as one of only 6 local REALTOR® Associations in the nation to earn a biennial Community Outreach Award