

Interested
Email: editors@hrra.com
THANK
EDITOR: DR DAWN KENNEDY (dkennedy@hrra com)
SALES: Misty Pritchett (advertising@ hrra com)
HRRA
or refuse






Interested
Email: editors@hrra.com
THANK
EDITOR: DR DAWN KENNEDY (dkennedy@hrra com)
SALES: Misty Pritchett (advertising@ hrra com)
HRRA
or refuse
“I sincerely hope you enjoy this ‘Team Management’ issue of our magazine and the new Professional Standards standing feature article.”
When I first started in real estate, you did not see teams very much. Real estate was a highly competitive, worklike-crazy, individual achievement-oriented career. In my lifetime, I have worked many commission-based jobs, and I loved it because the only person deciding my salary was me and how hard I was willing to work. We all know the downside of commission-based work, which is the unsteady income. A good REALTOR® also had to be a good money manager. Then slowly, things changed. Brokers started targeting specific lines of business, such as relocation, REOs, rentals, etc., and with that, they hired agents with specialized talents. It wasn’t long before agents in the industry took notice and realized maybe they weren’t good at all things Maybe they were really good at lead generation but not the close Maybe they were a listing phenomenon but did not particularly care to work with buyers Maybe they did not enjoy the paperwork and multiple steps to bring a deal to the table, but their co-worker did What started as a broker profit model quickly became a norm in the industry
This might be a good time to review some of the team compliance requirements in Virginia Starting in January of 2019, the Virginia real estate commission required that all teams obtain a business entity salesperson license In order to do that, the team had to form a legal business entity for itself One area to note is the rule regarding fictitious names The Virginia Association of REALTORS® website has a great explanation: “If the team name you are using in your day-to-day business is the same name as your registered business entity, then there is no need for a fictitious name certificate from the SCC For example, my team is the Jon Smith Team I go to the SCC and form a business entity The name of my business entity is the Jon Smith Team The names are the same, so I do not need to take the extra step with the SCC and file a fictitious name certificate However, if my business
entity name is ‘Jon Smith Homes in Southern Virginia, LLC’ and I decide to call my team the ‘Jon Smith Team,’ I would need to take the additional step of getting a fictitious name certificate (2024).”
One concern is that the team cannot mislead the public into presenting itself as a brokerage. As your HRRA professional standards administrator, I do see this as an issue. Often, the public will call HRRA before filing a complaint. I always ask, “Have you spoken to their broker?” and most often they related that they thought they were dealing with the broker, when in fact they were dealing with the team lead As a team member, you need to ensure that you are making it clear that you work for a brokerage This isn’t just a requirement of VA law but also in our Code of Ethics Article 12 states:
REALTORS® shall be honest and truthful in their real estate communications and shall present a true picture in their advertising, marketing, and other representations. REALTORS® shall ensure that their status as real estate professionals is readily apparent in their advertising, marketing, and other representations, and that the recipients of all real estate communications are, or have been, notified that those communications are from a real estate professional.
As part of HRRA’s 2025 business plan, we will be producing a monthly feature in our magazine that takes a deep dive into an article’s standard of practice and utilizes the NAR Case Interpretations as examples. NAR Case Interpretations are established NAR policy and should be used by a hearing panel when deliberating. I sincerely hope you enjoy this “Team Management” issue of our magazine and the new Professional Standards standing feature article
Happy Selling!
Welcome to HRRA’s new series on Professional Standards! Each month we will be featuring a particular standard of practice and reviewing a case interpretation. Case interpretations are official policy. NAR’s Code of Ethics Policy Statement Number 57 reminds us of such: Case Interpretations are official policy and are not merely advisory.
This month, we will be looking at Article 12, Standard of Practice 12-7
REALTOR® Q was a non-principal broker licensed with ABC REALTORS®. REALTOR® Q specialized in buyer representation. A prominent feature on her website carried the headline, “I sold these and I can help you buy or sell, too!” Under the headline was a list of over a hundred street addresses of properties for which REALTOR® Q had found buyers.
For personal and professional reasons, REALTOR® Q chose to leave the ABC firm to affiliate with XYZ, REALTORS® As she transitioned to her new firm, REALTOR® Q was careful to disclose the name of her new firm in a readily apparent manner on her website. Her website also continued to display the list of properties she had found buyers for during her time with the ABC firm.
REALTOR® Q’s parting with ABC had been amicable, so she was surprised to receive a complaint brought by her former principal broker, REALTOR® C, alleging a violation of Article 12, as interpreted by Standard of Practice 12-7, based on her website’s display of sales made while REALTOR® Q had been affiliated with ABC.
At the hearing, REALTOR® C, the complainant, noted that Standard of Practice 12-7 provides, in
part, “Only REALTORS® who participated in the transaction as the listing broker or cooperating broker (selling broker) may claim to have ‘sold’ the property. “It was ABC, REALTORS®,” REALTOR® C added, “that was the selling broker in these transactions, not our former sales associate REALTOR® Q. Her advertising our sales under the umbrella of her new firm, XYZ REALTORS®, is confusing at best, and potentially misleading to consumers who may get the impression the XYZ firm was involved in these transactions when that’s not the case.”
REALTOR® Q defended herself and her website, arguing that the fact that she had found the buyers for each of the properties listed on her website was still true, and that the only thing that had changed was her firm affiliation. “If it was true when I was licensed with ABC, then it’s still true even though I’m now licensed with XYZ,” she reasoned.
The hearing panel agreed that REALTOR® Q had, in fact, sold the properties, albeit while licensed with ABC. Her website, however, suggested that the sales were made while REALTOR® Q was licensed with XYZ, which was not the case. Consequently, REALTOR® Q was found in violation of Article 12
Teamwork makes the dream work. This cliché has never rung so true. REALTORS® are the gatekeepers of the American Dream, and teaming up with clients makes the dream a reality for countless homeowners in Hampton Roads. The teams that work in addition to the REALTOR®client relationship keep the dream alive.
You might be asking yourself, who are the members of this team, and is the team here to help me? The answer might surprise you We are going to focus on your advocacy team that fights for you every day
Advocacy begins with the Government Affairs Committee. This group of seven members is singularly focused on ensuring that legislation and regulation work for you and not against you. They work in tandem with the staff Government Affairs Director (GAD) to identify REALTOR® Champions in the cities across South Hampton Roads. In addition, they foster relationships with elected officials and educate them on our Smart Growth principles. Through the strength of these relationships, the committee has been able to protect your business and your clients from harmful regulations and unreasonable legislation that threaten private property rights
What? Why don’t I see it? That is the beauty Your team makes it look easy. Let me give you an example. The HRRA Government Affairs team was able to fight for rezoning in Suffolk, resulting in the approval to build 204 new rooftops in that community. The committee fought against unelected bureaucrats from imposing unfair stormwater regulations that would have crippled homeownership in Norfolk. You did not see it, but you are able to reap the rewards of their advocacy on your behalf.
resulted in REALTOR® input being sought in important community development decisions across South Hampton Roads. For instance, the city of Portsmouth sought out the REALTORS® to educate their business leaders on Smart Growth and how building Smart Communities will catapult Portsmouth into a national leader in the best places in America to call home. The Government Affairs Committee hosted an Economic Development Roundtable where the economic development officials from all the cities on Southside came together to work with REALTORS® to solve housing challenges as business continues to grow in the region.
These are just some of the ways your Government Affairs team works to improve our industry and strengthen our influence in South Hampton Roads. Your support, through RPAC participation, keeps your advocacy team working for you.
You and your advocacy team are making the
Your Government Affairs team advocates for innovation in South Hampton Roads, which has
Political Action Committee) contribution works to advocate for REALTORS® and your clients so that through our political efforts, access to affordable housing, fair housing, the building of beautiful communities, and the strength of our association will continue.
Management:
Here’s a nugget of wisdom I once heard: "The only reason to start a real estate team is if you have too much business to handle yourself " While I wholeheartedly agree with this idea, let’s face it there’s so much more to building and leading a team than just handling a heavy workload. One of my absolute favorite things is chatting with other team leaders about their team structures, compensation models, and all those systems and processes that help keep everything running smoothly. Yep, I’m a bit of a “team structure geek” and I love it.
So where do we even start? Well, after 35 years of building and developing sales teams (20+ of those years spent in real estate), I can tell you this: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to team structures and compensation models. Trust me, every team I’ve encountered has its own personality and approach Some brokerages are happy to share their team models with agents looking to scale, while others leave it up to you to create your own vision
follows the profile of the leader. For example, some team leaders prefer to have a larger staff so they can stay focused on the productive part of lead generation This allows the team leader to delegate tasks like admin, marketing, and client coordination On the other hand, some teams are more agentfocused with fewer staff, leaning heavily into agent development and production.
Associate Broker & Team Leader, The Real Estate Group 2025 HRRA Treasurer
The beauty of this business is that there’s no “ one right way” to structure a team You get to create the setup that works best for you, and the truth is, they all work! Now, the real challenge comes with managing your team That’s where things can get tricky, but there are a few key elements that great teams consistently get right.
Every well-run business yes, even a real estate team needs a solid budget. If you’re not tracking where your money is going, you might be missing out on key opportunities. A smart leader will develop a business budget and stick to it. I’ve spoken to leaders who are doing tons of business but still find themselves unprofitable. Budgeting helps you keep everything in check
Whether you have agents or staff, it’s essential to set clear expectations. You must “inspect what you expect,” as the saying goes. And remember, clarity is key! My friend Bill Hampton always says, “To be unclear is to be unkind.” When you’re clear with your team about what’s expected, it gives them the roadmap to success.
Here’s the deal: as a leader, you forfeit the right to have a bad day. We all have those moments, but a leader who’s inconsistent in their approach can throw off the entire team If one of your team members isn’t hitting their targets, coaching, training, and course correction are the first steps In the rare case of gross negligence, maybe it’s time for a more drastic measure, but the key is consistency. Your team will appreciate and follow your example.
•
•
• ADVOCATING ON YOUR BEHALF TO SHAPE THE POLICY
Advocacy for federal, state, and local policies and policymakers that support REALTORS®, associations, the industry, and consumers, with a proven track record of significant policy wins.
Millions of dollars saved for consumers through efforts including work to improve access to FHA loans, secure first-time home buyer tax credits, and eliminate additional mortgage fees
Tens of millions of dollars allocated each year to support state and local associations in advocacy campaigns
RPAC – which raised $495 million at all three levels of the association in 2023 – promotes the election of bipartisan candidates across the country, with disbursement decisions led locally
Access to top economists and experts, and their work – such as the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report, Housing Affordability Index, and Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report.
• •
•
•
•
•
Access to apps and other tools, including Realtors Property Resource® (RPR), a comprehensive data platform exclusively available to REALTORS®.
RPR integrates property data and provides a onestop solution for in-depth property analysis, valuation, market insights, and customizable reporting capabilities – including through AIenabled tools.
Largest real estate library in the world and customized reference and research services.
NAR maintains a Code of Ethics for effective and ethical real estate business practices
Nationwide consumer ad campaign and “FirstTime Buyer” docuseries highlight REALTOR® value and expertise
Graphics and social media assets
REALTOR® brand adds to members’ credibility, trust, and authority with consumers
•
•
Ample savings and special offers Members using products and services through Second Century Ventures and REACH represent annual savings of $100/member on average.
Nationwide partnerships providing exclusive offers and discounts for members to save on solutions (financial services, marketing, technology resources, etc) as well as exclusive access to insurance options
Significant resources for state and local associations for programs supporting your success, such as commercial, global, and Young Professionals Network offerings.
• EMPOWERING YOU TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS AND ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Free website with realtor and realestate domain for small businesses
Range of risk management tools, timely guidance, and resources from NAR Legal Affairs.
• OFFERING VALUABLE SAVINGS AND DEALS
10+ specialized designations and certifications, 100+ micro courses, and an award-winning podcast through Center for REALTOR® Development (CRD).
CRD keeps agents updated on trends, best practices, and new regulations.
NAR educational offerings help satisfy your continuing education needs.
Conferences, events, and other virtual and in-person learning opportunities throughout the year offer opportunities for connection, relationship-building, and conversation about the future of our profession
I believe effective team management can significantly impact the success and productivity of a brokerage. It ensures that agents receive the necessary guidance, training, mentorship, and resources to achieve their goals It also promotes a sense of accountability and encourages REALTORS® to work together
The overall productivity in a brokerage really shows when there are operating procedures in place, as well as structure and areas of responsibility throughout. It allows for the utilization of different team leads in each department, thus allowing each aspect of a brokerage to operate more efficiently by being singularly focused.
Team management plays a huge role in the success of a brokerage and can be achieved by prioritizing communication, clearly defining roles, holding oneon-one meetings that focus on the successes and areas of opportunity for a REALTOR®, promoting a positive culture, and investing in the development of REALTORS® at your brokerage Team management provides the ability to effectively
2025 Installation, Broker Breakfast: Maximizing the Value of REALTOR® Membership
Real estate teams often thrive when they embrace diversity in specialties. Managing a team that includes both resale and new construction agents may seem challenging, but it offers incredible opportunities for growth and collaboration By fostering a culture of teamwork, shared knowledge, and adaptability, a team can achieve extraordinary results
Bridging the Gap Between Resale and New Construction
Resale and new construction agents bring unique strengths to the table. Resale agents often thrive in fast-paced, negotiation-heavy markets, while new construction agents work closely with builders and guide clients through longer timelines.
The key to uniting these specialties is encouraging cross-training and collaboration. Resale agents benefit from understanding new construction processes to better serve their clients, while new construction agents gain valuable insights into current market trends This shared knowledge builds confidence, adaptability, and mutual respect among team members.
Richard Calderon
Managing Broker
The Calderon Team with BHHS RW Towne Realty
Creating opportunities for growth is essential for any successful team. Establishing a space for agents to share ideas and hold each other accountable encourages continuous learning and collaboration.
In group settings, resale agents can share marketing strategies or negotiation tips, while new construction agents might offer advice on builder relationships or construction timelines. These discussions not only enhance skill sets but also promote a sense of camaraderie
Accountability also plays a major role. When agents set goals and have the support of their peers, they’re more motivated to push themselves and achieve greater results.
Every agent brings something unique to the team. Some excel in resale transactions, while others are experts in new construction. A strong team culture values these individual strengths while encouraging agents to broaden their skill sets.
By leaning into their specialties, agents can shine in their respective areas and serve clients with confidence At the same time, they have the opportunity to grow and adapt when new opportunities arise, creating a well-rounded and resilient team.
Open communication is the foundation of a successful team. Regular meetings and one-on-one check-ins provide opportunities to address challenges, share successes, and align on goals.
For resale agents, this might mean brainstorming strategies to win bidding wars or discussing creative ways to market listings. For new construction agents, conversations may focus on builder incentives, delayed closings, or client expectations.
Collaboration is equally important Opportunities for agents to co-host open houses, partner on listings, or create joint marketing campaigns foster a sense of teamwork and reduce competition within the group.
A real estate team that includes both resale and new construction agents has a unique competitive advantage. By blending their expertise and working together, they can serve a broader range of clients and achieve higher levels of success.
The secret to managing such a team lies in promoting communication, valuing individual strengths, and creating a culture of collaboration. When agents support one another and share their knowledge, the possibilities are endless
By focusing on teamwork, adaptability, and shared goals, a unified real estate team can navigate any challenge and thrive in any market.
When starting a business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right business structure based on the facts and circumstances. A few options are being a sole proprietor/disregarded entity (within an LLC) or choosing to be taxed as an S-Corp or have partners While both structures have their advantages, they differ significantly in terms of taxation
A sole proprietorship or disregarded entity is the simplest and most common business structure. It’s a business owned and operated by one individual.
How Sole Proprietors Are Taxed:
On their personal return: Sole proprietors report business income and expenses on their personal income tax return using Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business). The net profit from the business is added to the owner’s other income and taxed at their individual income tax rate 1.
Self-Employment Tax: Sole proprietors must pay self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare contributions. For 2025, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, which includes 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. This tax is calculated on the net earnings of the business. 2
Deductions: Sole proprietors can deduct business-related expenses, such as office supplies, travel costs, and health insurance premiums. However, they cannot pay themselves a salary; all profits are considered personal income. They are also entitled to a deduction for self-employment tax on earnings that are typically paid by a traditional employer
An S corporation/Partnership is a tax designation available to certain corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) LLCs with two or more owners are defaulted to a Partnership Unlike a sole proprietorship, an S-corps and Partnerships are separate legal entities, providing some liability protection to its owners
Pass-Through Taxation: Like a sole proprietorship, an S-corp/Partnerships are pass-through entities, meaning the business itself does not pay federal income tax. Instead, profits, losses, deductions, and credits pass through to the shareholders, who report them on their personal tax returns. They are issued a K-1 to report these items. 1.
2.
Salary and Distributions: S-corp owners who actively work in the business must pay themselves a reasonable salary This salary is subject to payroll taxes, including Social Security and Medicare Any remaining profits can be distributed as distributions, which are not subject to self-employment tax, potentially resulting in tax savings. Partners in a partnership aren’t allowed to take a salary but can take guaranteed payments which are subject to self-employment tax. Their net income is also subject to the same.
Self-Employment
Unlike sole proprietors, S-corp owners only pay selfemployment tax on their salary, not on the entire business profit. This can significantly reduce the overall tax burden, especially for highly profitable businesses This is a highly scrutinized part of taxation by the IRS
Tax Applies to all net earnings
Applies only to salary, not to distributions. Partnerships take guaranteed payments and net income subject to SE tax Profit Distribution All profits taxed as personal income
Profits split between salary (taxed) and distributions (not subject to self-employment tax). Partnerships are taxed on all income including SE Tax.
Understanding the tax implications of your business structure is crucial for minimizing your tax burden and maximizing your profits. While a sole proprietorship offers simplicity, an Scorp/Partnership can provide significant tax
advantages and liability protection for growing businesses. Consult with a tax professional or legal advisor to determine the best structure for your specific needs and goals
Get expert tax strategies at the 2025 Tax Summit! Learn to maximize deductions, reduce liabilities, and keep more of your earnings. Four sessions cover agent-specific tax tips, real estate investment advantages, and key updates. Click here to register today!
Name: Title Concepts, LLC
Why we got into this business: The owner of Title Concepts, Shannon Blatt, decided after years of working for other attorneys and title companies that there was a better way to serve clients and build those relationships based on transactions instead of just a “file” or number.
Territory: Entire state of Virginia
Year Established: 2006
HRRA Affiliate Member since: 2010
w: www.titleconcepts.net e:orders@titleconcepts.biz p: 757-819-6682 f: 757-819-6683
Although we close the traditional buyer/ seller/ refinance transactions, we are well versed in foreclosures, investor wholesale and RON closings as well.
Why we joined HRRA: to get involved and build more connections in our Real Estate community Also to be available to serve and provide knowledge about Title and Escrow services.
Why we love doing what we do: I personally love working with and closing first time home buyers. To see the excitement on their faces is always PRICELESS! ❦ Tonya
Our favorite satisfied customer story: Recently, we had a buyer who was purchasing a commercial building for a mental health facility in Virginia Beach.
It was a long process for her with the SBA loan she was doing and certainly frustrating at times But she was very ambitious and determined to get everything done that was asked of her We helped along the way with many of the letters and docs she needed from the city and her REALTOR® kept a great goal timeline along the way.
When we got to the closing table, the agent brought balloons and snacks, and we did a champagne toast through all her happy tears It was really a moving and inspirational transaction And we are so excited for her and all the good she will be able to provide to the community.
Our favorite HRRA event and why: The Chili Cook-Off, definitely! It’s always a great turnout with a fun and very laidback environment A genuine camaraderie with everyone involved
Most memorable HRRA moment: Attending the Veteran’s Breakfast, hearing their stories and celebrating them… it was truly moving.
Best piece of advice to REALTORS®: Ask, ask, ask the questions… especially the newer agents, not as familiar with Title and Escrow. We have an open-door policy for all our agents and clients.
The one thing we want REALTORS® to know about our industry is: that it is ever changing, from law requirements to technology Just know that we are always finding new ways to improve, to make closings smoother and more efficient.
Log into the Info Hub to sign up!
8 Hour Required Topics
February 27, March 27, April 17
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, $65
Contract Pitfalls
March 11, April 1, May 6 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, $35
Real Estate Pitfalls
March 11, April 1, May 6 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, $35
Broker Real Estate Management 8 Hour
February 20
8:30 AM–5:00 PM, $60
Broker Real Estate Appraisal
March 17
9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $300
How and When to Say 'No': Crafting Irresistible Value Propositions with Ginni Field
February 25
11:00 AM–2:00 PM, $50
SRS | 2 Day Course with Adorna Carroll
March 13-14 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, $259
The deadline for dues payments has passed, but you can still log into the Info Hub, HRRA's member portal, to pay with ease. Please note that late fees are now in effect.
If you are logging in for the first time, click here and tap "Create One." Make sure to use the email address already connected to your HRRA membership when setting up your account. If you have any questions, contact (757) 473-9700 or email info@hrra.com.
Amanda Reyes - BHHS RW Towne Volvo Pkwy
Amanda Timmer - Real Broker, LLC
Amy Eichelberger - Howard Hanna Real Estate Serv.
Andrew Aspden - Real Broker, LLC
Ashlyn Toro - Harrell Homes Real Estate
Cheri Miller - Exit Realty Central
Christopher Mikedis - Greenbrier Real Estate & Appraisals
Damien Wyatt - eXp Realty LLC
Daniel Del Castillo - Own Real Estate LLC
Dianne Grenier - Century 21 Nachman Realty
Douglas Smith - BHHS RW Towne Crossways Blvd,
BHHS RW Towne Great Bridge
Emily Dalton - LPT Realty, LLC
Emily Draper - Real Broker, LLC
Ethan Windish - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk
Fletcher Fulgham Jr - Century 21 Nachman Realty
Frank Savino Jr - Long & Foster Kempsville
Hannah Brown - Long & Foster Oceanfront/Coast
Hunter Beauvais - RE/MAX Country to Coast
Irice Cipriano - Iron Valley Real Estate Hampton Roads
Jack Jones - Exit Realty Professionals
James O'Neal - Harrell Homes Real Estate
Janise Perry - Fathom Realty
Jean Fogarty - LPT Realty, LLC
Karin Barrett - Real Broker, LLC
Kathy Hartman - Siebert Realty
Laura Hart - Coldwell Banker Elite
Laura Wilson - Exit Realty Professionals
Leandra Cruz - Creed Realty
Lisa Dunn - Real Broker, LLC
Manika Thomas - Realty Space LLC
Maria Crisostomo - Howard Hanna Real Estate Serv
Marlene Kemp - Exit Realty Central
Maureen Kerr - Exit Realty Central
Monique Serges - Own Real Estate LLC
Natalie Habich - Own Real Estate LLC, Own Real Estate VB
Pansy Champion - Own Real Estate LLC
Paul Judd - Own Real Estate LLC
Ryan Boyce - Creed Realty
Ryan Buckingham - LPT Realty, LLC
Shaira-Lou O'Neal - Harrell Homes Real Estate
Stormy Grover - Gibbs Realty Group
Veleka Sawyer - Coldwell Banker Premier
William Angeles - Creed Realty
Zipporah De Castro - Atlantic Sotheby's International
NEW BROKER FIRMS
Five Star COVA Realty
NEW SECONDARY BROKERS
Mark Worrilow - Fathom Realty
NEW SECONDARY FIRM
Premier Agent Network
NEW SECONDARY MEMBERS
Jeff Cullen - Premier Agent Network
Adrianna Caruso - LPT Realty, LLC (non-state)
Laura Jean Price - eXp Realty LLC (non-state)
NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Goosehead Insurance = Thomas & Howard Agency
Goosehead-Coastal Agency
Stop Loss, LLC