Kenny's Blog

FAAR July 2008 Education Update: Limited Services - July 15

2008-07-03T08:39:56Z

Limited Services - July 15

Course Fulfills 2-Hour DPOR Requirement

Learn what this disclosure law is all about at our interactive training & discussion session.

Instructor: Matthew Rathbun, FAAR Education Director, ABR, ABRM, ASR, e-PRO, GRI, QSC, RECS, SRES, SRS

Credits: 2 Hours Mandatory Limited Services Disclosure Training

Date: July 15, 2008

Time: 9:30 a.m. -11:30 p.m.

Location: FAAR Office, Classroom 2nd Floor

Cost: $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Registration is required. Two ways to register: register online at http://www.faarmembers.com or download the form at http://www.faarmembers.com/faar_admin/PDF_Library/LimitedServices_July15.pdf and fax to 540-736-0301.

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: Top Producer

2008-04-08T11:13:09Z

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: Top Producer

Learn the details of this new Internet based contact relationship management and marketing program. Get your questions answered and learn how to maximize your benefit from the program.

Date: May 15-16, 2008

Time: 9am-5pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

For complete details, download the course flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/TopProducer_May.pdf.

To register, fax completed form to (540) 736-0301 or register online at www.faarmembers.com.

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: Tech 101 Activerain How-To

2008-04-08T11:09:01Z

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: Tech 101 Activerain How-To

Date: April 29, 2008

Time: 9:30am-11:30pm

Location: FAAR Training Room, 7101 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Tuition: Members = $10, Non-members = $15

The Technology 101 Workshop series offers REALTORS® an inexpensive way to get hands-on training using some of today's most innovative and useful technology. Each month, FAAR will host a 2-hour session on a specific technology, where students are encouraged to bring their laptops and work along with the instructors.

For complete details, download the course flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/faar_admin/PDF_Library/Tech101.pdf.

To register, fax completed form to (540) 736-0301 or sign up online at www.faarmembers.com.

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: ABR Designation Course + Foreclosure Elective

2008-04-08T10:58:55Z

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: ABR Designation Course + Foreclosure Elective

Join us for this 3 day class combining the ABR Designation course and foreclosure elective. The designation course aims to prepare real estate professionals to represent buyer-clients in real estate transactions and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed. In addition, this class will offer ideas and methods for building a buyer representation business. The foreclosure elective examines how real estate professionals can help buyer-clients prevent foreclosures as well as how to counsel those who want to invest in pre-foreclosure or foreclosed properties.

Instructors: Matthew Rathbun, Licensed Broker, ABR, ABRM, ASR, e-PRO, GRI, RECS, SRES & Sarah Stelmok, ABR, GRI

Date: April 14-16, 2008

Time: 9am-5pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

For complete details, download the course flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/ABR_CoreFore.pdf.

To register, fax completed form to (540) 736-0301 or sign up online at www.faarmembers.com.

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: Fair Housing

2008-04-08T10:54:09Z

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: Fair Housing

Students are invited to share and learn about the challenges of working in a diverse industry. Get up-to-date interactive training in today's issues and learn how to protect yourself and clients.

Instructor: Sarah Stelmok, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

Credits: 3 hours Fair Housing CE/PL

Date: April 22, 2008

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

For complete details, download the course flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/FairHousing_April.pdf.

To register, fax completed form to (540) 736-0301 or sign up online at www.faarmembers.com.

FAAR Spring 2008 Education Update: C.A.R.E. Series - Farming & Marketing...Getting a Return on Investment.

2008-04-08T10:20:57Z

C.A.R.E. Series - Farming & Marketing...Getting a Return on Investment.

Join us for a training experience on marketing and farming various groups and areas to increase your business! We'll be covering effective use of print and online marketing, as well as budgeting and planning strategies.

Credits: Pending 3 hours CE/PL Credit

Date: April 28, 2008 ***NEW DATE***

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

Registration is required. To register, fax completed registration form (http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/CARE_Farming&Marketing.pdf) to (540) 736-0301 or sign up online at www.faarmembers.com.

FAAR Update 3/31/2008: FAAR promotes UMW Multicultural Fair on April 5th

2008-03-31T18:00:43Z

In an outreach to the Hispanic community, FAAR is encouraging its members to invite their Hispanic clients and customers to the University of Mary Washington's Multicultural Fair on April 5. FAAR will have a booth where fair-goers will hear, in Spanish, why now is a good time to purchase a home. The attendees will also be able to register for the Hispanic "How to Buy Your First Home" Seminar & Fair on May 3 at FAAR. This event, represented by FAAR Spanish speaking agents and affiliates, will give basic information on the home-buying process and dispel the misconceptions in the Hispanic community regarding current market issues.

FAAR members will also be sent a copy of the May 3 brochure (English and Spanish versions) for distribution. For now, please urge your Hispanic clients and customers to attend the UMW Fair on April 5.

To download the English version of the Multicultural Fair flyer - http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/FAARFlyer_English.pdf.

To download the Spanish version of the Multicultural Fair flyer - http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/FAARFlyer_Spanish.pdf.

FAAR Update 3/31/2008: Black & White Masquerade Ball & Silent Auction

2008-03-31T17:55:19Z

Don't miss the event of the season...

the Black & White Masquerade REALTOR Ball scheduled for Saturday, April 5th.

Come dressed to impress in black and white--and bring a mask, too! The evening will feature a seated dinner, awards ceremony, live music by the Real Deal Band, Silent Auction hosted by the Fredericksburg REALTORS Foundation, $1000 cash raffle, and prize for best dressed individual. Award winners will be announced for Professional Honor "Role", REALTOR of the Year, Manager of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and REALTOR'S Choice. Join us to celebrate these individuals and support the REALTORS Foundation Silent Auction.

For complete details, download the event flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/Masquerade%20Ball%20flier.pdf. To register, fill out completed event flyer and fax to FAAR at (540) 736-0301 or register online at www.faarmembers.com and logging in. RSVP today to guarantee your seat.

FAAR Update 3/14/2008: Fundraiser for Al Sharp Rescheduled

2008-03-14T17:26:17Z

The Lacrosse game fundraisers scheduled for Saturday, March 15 at Stafford High School have been moved up to an 11am start for the JV game. All other games will follow accordingly. Other changes to the schedule due to the weather will be announced on B101.5. Al proceeds from the Lacrosse games will go to the Al Sharp medical fund.

FAAR Update 3/13/2008: FAAR's annual REALTOR Ball

2008-03-13T10:53:29Z

Join us for FAAR's annual REALTOR Ball, scheduled for Saturday, April 5th. This year's theme is the Black & White Masquerade ball, so come dressed to impress in black and white! The evening will feature a seated dinner, awards ceremony, live music by the Real Deal Band, Silent Auction hosted by the Fredericksburg REALTORS Foundation, $1000 cash raffle, and prize for best dressed individual. Award winners will be announced for Professional Honor "Role", REALTOR of the Year, Manager of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and REALTOR'S Choice. Join us to celebrate these individuals and support the REALTORS Foundation Silent Auction.

FAAR Update 3/13/2008: Wine & Whine...and art, too!

2008-03-13T10:43:51Z

Join your fellow REALTORS for the 1st Wine & Whine event this year, scheduled for April 11 from 4-6pm. Bring your active listings to share with others and enjoy a glass of wine. Also, take a look around at original artwork by the students at the University of Mary Washington. Artwork is for sale, with 25% of the proceeds benefiting the Fredericksburg REALTORS Foundation. Download the flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/WineWhine_Apr.pdf. Register by faxing completed form to (540) 736-0301 or sign up online by logging in http://www.faarmembers.com. Please RSVP by April 7, 2008.

FAAR Update 3/13/2008: Fundraisers for Al Sharp

2008-03-13T10:29:50Z

Two fundraising events are being held for Al Sharp, who suffered serious spinal injuries after a boating accident. Both fundraisers aim to raise money for Al Sharp's medical fund.

Lacrosse Benefit game - Saturday, March 15th - James Monroe H.S. vs Stafford H.S. (at Stafford High School) - JV game starts at 2pm; U15 game starts at 3:30pm; U13 game starts at 4:15pm; and Varsity game starts at 5:30pm. Changes to the schedule due to inclement weather will be announced on B101.5. (Nick and Jon Sharp, Al Sharp's sons, both play lacrosse for Stafford H.S.) Gate and procession proceeds will go to Al Sharp's medical fund.
Golf Tournament - Tuesday, April 8th at Cannon Ridge Golf Club. Get your foursome teams together to play in this fundraiser golf tournament. Download the flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/AlSharp_Golf.pdf for complete details or contact Suzy Stone at (540) 847-0630. All net proceeds will go to Al Sharp's medical fund.

How unhealthy are those neglected, vacant houses?

2008-03-12T07:21:29Z

Has anyone done a study on them? i.e. NIH, CDC, etc.

There is an REO down the street from me that has been sitting vacant for at least 6 months with almost a foot of water standing in the basement! Full in ground basement with a sump pump and the bank turns off the gas, electric and water. It's hard to run a sump pump without electricity. Plus the basement was finished. When I previewed the house someone had gone in and removed the flooring and bottom half of the drywall. The place smelled bad and you could see an "oil slick" on top of the water. If the house sits this way longer the framing in the house will need to be replaced. Ouch. I think keeping the electricity on would have been cheaper than destroying a basement.

How unhealthy is this house due to the long term standing water and chemicals floating on top? And the probable structural issues? Would you feel comfortable letting your family live in this house (and I don't mean with the standing water still in the house :D)?

Stafford County Virginia Alert web page

2008-03-05T09:17:10Z

Stafford County has an alert web page... Roam Secure Alert Network at http://www.staffordalert.com/. Here are some screen grabs:

USER LOGIN

email address

password

Welcome to Stafford Alert
This Roam Secure Alert Network system is
administered by the County of Stafford, Virginia

Stafford County uses the Roam Secure Alert Network to immediately contact you during a major crisis or emergency. The Roam Secure Alert Network delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to you on all your devices:

email account (work, home, other)
cell phone (via SMS)
pager
smartphone/PDA (BlackBerry, Treo & and other handhelds)

When a major crisis or emergency occurs, authorized senders will instantly notify you based on your group(s) selection using the Roam Secure Alert Network. All users will receive emergency alerts that affect the public's safety. The Roam Secure Alert Network is your personal connection to real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, who to contact and other important information.

Stafford County Government does not charge a fee for use of this Emergency Notification System. However, by signing up to receive text alerts to your cell phone, please understand that your private cell phone provider may charge standard (text) message rates, depending on your service.

Please click below to log in to manage your existing account, or to register a new account.

Stafford Alert

Reliable Communication

Stafford Alert is an emergency communication system used by governments, emergency management agencies and first responders to send emergency alerts, notifications and updates to your cell phone, pager, BlackBerry, PDA and/or e-mail account.
In the event of an emergency, such as a terrorist attack or severe weather incident, your organization's emergency management personnel will send important alerts, updates and instructions right to your cell phone or mobile device using your device's text message (SMS) feature, and/or to your e-mail account(s).
All cell phone carriers offer, and most phones have, text messaging capability. It's easy to use and costs range from free to only a few pennies per message. Click here to learn more about your carrier.
Visit our FAQs for more information about text messaging and the Stafford Alert.

How it works

Your organization has designated authorized personnel who are responsible for generating alert messages in the event of an emergency.
When an alert is sent, it travels directly to your e-mail, pager, BlackBerry, cell phone or other available devices. Messages beamed to your cell phone or mobile device arrive in seconds via the SMS (text messaging) network.

Getting started is simple

No software to install, or extra equipment to purchase
Registration takes only a few minutes:
1. Sign up for a Stafford Alert account using your cell phone or mobile device or e-mail address.
2. Choose a password so you can manage your account online.
3. You are ready to receive alerts in the event of an emergency.
Proceed to registration page.

You can select what kind of an alert you want by selecting a group. These are the groups that I have picked:

My Alerts Severe Traffic Alerts

Stafford County Severe Traffic Alerts • Please join this group to receive Stafford County Traffic Alerts
Arlington County Traffic • Join this group for Arlington County, Virginia traffic alerts
District of Columbia Traffic • Join this group to receive Severe traffic alerts from the District of Columbia
Fairfax County Traffic • Please join this group to receive Traffic Alerts concerning Fairfax County VA

Stafford County Weather Warnings

Stafford County Weather Warnings • Join this group to receive National Weather Service warnings for Stafford County

Government Closings

Federal Government Closings • Join this group to receive notification of Federal Government delays and closings
Stafford County Government Closings • Join this group to receive notification of Stafford County Government closings

Stafford County Schools

Stafford County School Closings

Virginia Amber Alerts

Virginia Amber Alerts • Join this group to receive Amber Alerts issued for Virginia

Stafford County Crime Bulletin

Stafford County Crime Bulletin • To promote awareness techniques and crime reporting, but not the physical confrontation of criminals.

FAAR 2008 Spring Class Update: Top Producer

2008-02-28T11:14:47Z

FAAR 2008 Spring Class Update: Top Producer

Learn the details of this new Internet based contact relationship management and marketing program. Get your questions answered and learn how to maximize your benefit from the program.

Date: May 15-16, 2008

Time: 9am-5pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

For complete details, download the course flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/TopProducer_May.pdf

FAAR 2008 Spring Class Update: Fair Housing

2008-02-28T11:07:30Z

Fair Housing

Students are invited to share and learn about the challenges of working in a diverse industry. Get up-to-date interactive training in today's issues and learn how to protect yourself and clients.

Instructor: Sarah Stelmok, REALTOR, ABR, GRI

Credits: 3 hours Fair Housing CE/PL

Date: April 22, 2008

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

Download flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/FairHousing_April.pdf

FAAR 2008 Spring Class Update: ABR Designation Course + Foreclosure Elective

2008-02-28T11:02:51Z

ABR Designation Course + Foreclosure Elective

Instructors: Matthew Rathbun, Licensed Broker, ABR, ABRM, ASR, e-PRO, GRI, RECS, SRES Sarah Stelmok, ABR, GRI

Date: April 14-16, 2008

Time: 9am-5pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

Download flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/ABR_CoreFore.pdf

FAAR 2008 Spring Class Update: CARE Series - What am I worth now? Appraisals, CMAs & Pricing Tools

2008-02-28T10:58:21Z

CARE Series - What am I worth now? Appraisals, CMAs & Pricing Tools

Having issues finding the magic numbers? Need to know exactly what the appraiser can and can't use for comps? Need help preparing your clients for the reality of the current market? Get those questions (and more) answered at this upcoming seminar. We'll discover how to deliver the "bad news" to sellers and how to support your recommended pricing. Also get tips on selling and negotiating short sales and foreclosures and learn the right questions to ask.

Credits: 3 hours CE (Real Estate Related); 3 hours PL (Real Estate Related Elective)

Date: March 20, 2008

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

Download flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/CARE_AppraisalsCMA.pdf

FAAR 2008 Spring Class Update: Success Series - Session 1

2008-02-28T10:53:30Z

Success Series - Session 1

The Success Series is designed to reinforce the fundamentals of the real estate profession. Attend the entire session and earn up to 20 credit hours for CE/PL! This 12-module, 3-hour morning session allows agents the time to conduct both their educational and business building activities. New agents can learn the fundamentals necessary to establish and operate their real estate business, while experienced agents get to review subject matter to enhance their performance. Course sampling includes Marketing & Advertising, Virginia Agency Law, Fair Housing, Contract Training, and Technology.

Dates: March 10-April 4 (see flyer for specific dates)

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

Download the flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/Success_1.pdf

FAAR 2008 Spring Class Update: Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA)

2008-02-28T10:49:56Z

Real Estate Professional Assistant (REPA)

The REPA course is a comprehensive 2-day certificate course that provides an intensive introduction to the real estate business and to the specific ways support staff can become valuable assets to their employers.

Instructor: Matthew Rathbun, Licensed Broker, ABR, ABRM, ASR, e-PRO, GRI, RECS, SRES, SRS

Date: March 6-7, 2008

Time: 9am-5pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

Download flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/REPA.pdf

FAAR 2008 Spring Class Update: A.C.T. - It's been a long winter... Servicing the long-term listing

2008-02-28T10:42:56Z

A.C.T. - It's been a long winter... Servicing the long-term listing Do you have a listing?

Do you want to build strong relationships with your client no matter how long it takes to sell their home? Do you want to make money? If so, you need to attend this class! This course will give you insider tips from agents who have successfully maintained long-term listings and who have made more money because of it. In this market, you can't afford to miss this seminar!

Instructor: Brooke Miller, Associate Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI

Credits: 3 hours CE/PL pending

Date: March 4, 2008

Time: 9:30am-12:30pm

Location: FAAR Classroom

Download flyer at http://www.faarmembers.com/FAAR_Admin/PDF_library/ACT_LongTermListing.pdf

597 Cropp Road, Fredricksburg, VA 22406 (Stafford County)

2008-02-16T16:18:35Z

Type: Residential Style: 2 Story "Brick Front Colonial"

Bedrooms: 5 - "Master w/2 sitting rooms"

Bathrooms: 3 Full Bath & 1 Half Bath

Garage: Double, Attached

Basement: Yes, Full "Finshed basement"

Size: 4,989 sq. ft.

Lot Type: Rectangular

Lot Size: 3.04 acres

Year Built: 1988

Virtual Tour: www.kennyfranklin.com

What temperature is your vacant listing's thermostat set at?

2008-02-16T15:28:28Z

Not long ago, my real estate partner, Rachel Myrick, and I showed 7 houses in a day. It was chilly outside, wet, muddy, etc. You get the picture. Of the 7, almost half were vacant. One of the vacant houses had the thermostat set to around 58 degrees F. The house was listed for over $500k. It wasn't a short sale or REO. We didn't stay inside the house for long. We were uncomfortably cold. What a shame. It was really a nice house. I believe that if the thermostat was set to at least 68 degrees F we would have stayed longer and the house would of made more of a positive impression on our clients. I don't know why the thermostat was set so low and I didn't ask, but it appears that the home owner was saving pennies over the possible sale of the house.

Again, over the weekend, I went to a home inspection in a vacant house. The old round Honeywell thermostat was all the way to the right. That's about 45 degrees F. It was literally warmer outside than it was inside.

My advice to listing agents is to convince your client to let you keep the thermostat up at a comfortable temperature.

Va Historical Hwy Markers - Stafford County - Kidnapping of Pocahontas

2008-02-05T20:25:31Z

Virginia Historical Highway Markers

Stafford County

E 48

Kidnapping of Pocahontas

"Pocahontas" was a nickname, meaning "the naughty one" or "spoiled child". Her real name was Matoaka.

The sign reads:

Near here, Pocahontas visited friends among the Patawomecks on the Potomac River in April 1613. Capt. Samuel Argall saw an opportunity to capture Pocahontas and exchange her for English prisoners held by her father Chief Powhatan. Argall sought out Iopassus, the chief of the Indian town of Passapatanzy. After Argall made veiled threats, Iopassus obtained permission from his brother the Patawomeck district chief to aid Argall. Iopassus had one of his wives insist that Pocahontas accompany her on a tour of Argall's ship. Once aboard, Pocahontas was detained, the ship departed, and she was held captive elsewhere in the colony. During negotiations for her exchange, Pocahontas married John Rolfe in 1614.

Va Historical Hwy Markers - Stafford County - Marlborough

2008-02-04T08:40:07Z

Virginia Historical Highway Markers

Stafford County

E 75

Marlborough

This marker is on Route 1 just north of the intersection of Route 1 with the Centrepoint Parkway, on the right side of the road heading north. Next to this marker is another marker about the kidnapping of Pocahontas at Marlborough Point. My father and I built a couple of houses near Marlborough Point at Marlborough Cliffs back in the 1990's. The original residents of the Marlborough Point area were the Patawomeck Indians. There were at least 10 villages, each consisting of 2 to 100 long houses. It was here that Pocahontas was kidnapped and taken to Jamestown.

This marker replaced a marker with the same number and title erected in the late 1920s or early 1930s south of here (about 4 miles north of Fredericksburg). It read, "At Potomac Neck, four miles east, land was laid off in 1691 for a port and the town of Stafford County, called Marlborough. Houses were built and the county court was held there for some years. The town did not grow, and in 1747, John Mercer bought the county's rights in it."

The sign reads:

Strategically situated at the tip of a peninsula jutting into the Potomac River at Potomac Creek, Marlborough was established under the Town Act of 1691 as a river port town. It served as the county seat of Stafford County from 1691 until about 1718. Marlborough never fully developed. In 1726, noted lawyer John Mercer (1705-1768) moved there and built Marlborough plantation and attempted to revive the town. Mercer had one of the largest private libraries in Virginia, in which the young George Mason received much of his education. Mercer's attempt to revive the town was unsuccessful and it ceased to exist by the end of the 18th century.