January 2025 Magazine

Page 1


Interested in submitting an article for a future issue?

Email: editors@hrra.com

THANK

EDITOR: DR DAWN KENNEDY (dkennedy@hrra com)

SALES: Misty Pritchett (advertising@ hrra com)

HRRA reserves the right to edit or refuse all submissions for publication HRRA reserves the right to receive royalties from some

and

Views and advertising expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of, nor endorsed by, HRRA

JAY MITCHELL: PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

“Our focus is hyper-local. That’s what we can do best for all of us....We are making sure we get the word out about Who We R, what we do, what we stand for.”

In case y’all missed it, 2025 has started Too late to do your planning for the year its’ already underway

We are all about working to help you…and part of that is getting out and about to see you and answer questions/offer assistance if we can.

Our focus is hyper-local. That’s what we can do best for all of us. All real estate is local, just like all politics. To that end, we are making sure we get the word out about Who We R, what we do, what we stand for. Media coverage is part of that…already, we have gotten some nice coverage of our Installation; then President-elect Phil Kazmierczak and I were guests January 6 on The Hampton Roads Show on WAVY; and at least one TV news story includes HRRA and the outlook for 2025 business (Which we believe is robust, by the way) And it’s only January!

We will be on TV more…along with some of you! Our awards this year will be highlighted on WAVY rather than in the local newspaper. Digital and video is where people are finding us, and we need to be there big-time. We are ramping up our social media presence to make sure people are aware of how awesome REALTOR®S are and what we bring to the

table Watch for the local media campaigns They are being built, and you will be seeing them very soon

As a vibrant and strong association, HRRA is poised to provide outstanding service to all our members, and by extension those we serve as we seek to help people make good decisions and live the American Dream. Our focus at HRRA continues to include topflight education opportunities; advocacy that is second to none; and an attention to social connections that provide for fun, inclusion and diversity. Because That’s Who We R!

We don’t do it alone…our state and national colleagues are a big part of helping us get where we need to be and while our focus here will be truly hyper-local, we MUST rely on some talent and treasure that comes from more than just here at home in order to gain perspective and knowledge.

We look forward to seeing and talking with every single one of you we can be in front of! Your leadership team is committed to continuing your engagement with real estate, HRRA, VAR and NAR.

Because That’s Who We R!

Building Success

Data Driven Market Intelligence

Your membership gives you access to the largest real estate library in the world with customized research and reference services and the REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR), a national platform of Esri & US Census data.

"Your Ultimate Support for Success in Any Market"

Dear HRRA Members

DR. DAWN KENNEDY: CEO BRIEF

Welcome to 2025! Each year begins with a promise and a bit of a blank slate This is an opportunity for us as an association and as individual members to embrace all the new technologies out there. I was just sent this quote from a friend, "Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." - Nido Qubein. As an association, we are committed to improving your member experience and offering you real solutions. HRRA itself has made a commitment to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in 2025 to improve what is offered in many areas. Specifically, it will be used to create interesting and knowledge building courses and marketing campaigns that promote the value of using a REALTOR® versus a licensee Our goal to track the level of awareness is to increase the number of consumer visits to our public facing website, www buysellorleasehr com Please share this site on your own social media, help us help you educate the public as to why you are a much better choice than a mere licensee.

In addition to offering courses on using AI, the HRRA Board of Directors, last year, voted on an AI policy and this was complemented by a corresponding, but much longer, staff policy. While we plan to offer several free classes in 2025, we will also feature our very popular workshops. The workshops are a two-to-three-hour deep dive into a topic and do include a lunch. The member cost is always $49 for a workshop We are excited to kick start our year with Ginni Field, a nationally known speaker, educator, and real estate coach Ginni will be facilitating our first workshop of the year on

“Those who weathered the storms of this year will be even stronger as we face 2025 together.” Dr Dawn Kennedy

February 25th, How and When to Say 'No': Crafting Irresistible Value Propositions She will also be teaching our brokers insights and strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities of leading in an ever-evolving digital world. Embracing new tech to enhance one’s leadership, adapting to the new technological advancements, or fostering a forward-thinking brokerage culture, this session should not be missed by our brokers and brokerassociates.

As you may have read, there is a real chance that TikTok will go away. Anecdotally, from my own TikTok viewing, many creators are going back to YouTube as their primary communication tool, and I also have been seeing a lot of mentions of BlueSky, an app that is much like Twitter. A cool feature of BlueSky is that as a user, you can create your own algorithm by selecting from a plethora of custom feeds While not available yet, still in beta-testing, I am also reading that there is a lot of promise in the Neptune App. First adopters always seem to do the best in a capitalism-based market, so this app may be one to keep an eye on.

Regardless of where tech goes, HRRA will be here to keep you on top of the trends and help you navigate through learning processes with our Lunch & Learns and workshops. Make sure you leverage your dues investment by attending free training sessions when you can or attending low-cost workshops.

Happy Selling in 2025!

Technology – An Advocacy Technology – An Advocacy Tool You Can Use Tool You Can Use

It is the new year, and there are new opportunities to advocate for our members and our industry. Here we are at the edge of a new frontier in real estate. We have been talking for the last couple of years about AI and Social Media and how these have transformed the real estate industry.

Technology is so much more than the obvious. It is systems and new ways of gathering research and knowing the market faster These are amazing tools and show the value of being a REALTOR® and not just a real estate agent Let’s explore

Okay, you are asking how you can maximize technology for your business and your industry. Let’s start with the safety factor. The need to ensure agent and client safety cannot be overstated. What tech tools can you use as a REALTOR®? One of your member benefits is access to FOREWARN. This technology app allows you, the REALTOR®, the ability to verify prospects, identify phone numbers, and give financial indicators and criminal records. This member benefit makes you the expert in protecting your safety, your clients, and their families Wow! All that and at no cost

Additional technology includes a complimentary subscription to Housing Wire. This publication gives members access to the latest news in market trends, housing trends, and other insights that give you the edge with your clients.

But wait, there’s more! You can stay more connected to advocacy efforts, done on your behalf at all levels of government, through digital newsletters, webinars, announcements, and news on how your advocacy teams are working for you. Just view the monthly GADWire newsletter for updates on issues that directly affect your business. In addition, political Calls for Action (CFA) provide an opportunity to have your voice heard in near real-time, with real results These CFAs are

designed to push through legislation that elected officials may be hesitant about If you see the CFA please respond and make sure your opinion counts!

The “hot” trend in technology is AI. We have explored this technology and recognize its value to you and your business. Again, we will caution you to be mindful of the risks and responsibilities that come with the use of this technology.

Don’t forget the simple technology that keeps you connected to your Association, and advocacy efforts. Email, e-blasts, e-REALTOR®, GADWire, and other regular publications are tools that will help you maximize your business and keep the industry strong.

You, as REALTORS®, are tech savvy and industry

Political Action Committee) contribution works to advocate for REALTORS® and your clients, so through our political efforts, access to affordable housing, fair housing, the building of beautiful communities, and the strength of our association will continue

2024 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

2024 BROKER/MANAGE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Lambourne Wo

2024 GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

Jennifer Cool

2024 REALTOR® VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Traci Lewis VanCamp

RESIDENT’S CE AWARDS

Kazmierczak

AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR

ai— is now your especially ai— is now your especially ai— is now your best friend in real estate best friend in real estate best friend in real estate

Let’s be honest: real estate is all about relationships, timing, and having the right information at your fingertips And while those fundamentals will never change, the tools we use to get there have evolved dramatically Technology isn't just a nice-to-have in our field anymore – it’s a must-have. If you’re not adapting, you’re falling behind. And nowhere is this clearer than in the realm of AI.

Seriously, if you are not using AI in a meaningful way every day, you're already behind. That might sound harsh, but it’s the reality. AI isn’t some sci-fi concept waiting to happen – it’s here, right now, and it's changing the way we do business.

Think back to just 20 years ago. How did we market properties? Flyers, newspaper ads, maybe a basic website if you were ahead of the curve. Now, if your listings aren’t online with stunning photos, 3D tours, and perfectly crafted copy, they’re practically invisible.

Clients expect speed, accuracy, and convenience They want instant answers to their questions, property insights at their fingertips, and communication on their terms Technology is what makes that happen. It helps us keep pace, stay connected, and most importantly, deliver top-notch service. Why technology— Why technology— Why

REALTOR®, President of Property Management / Associate Broker, Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty

HRRA 2025 President-Elect

And this isn’t just about flashy tools to impress clients Technology also helps us manage our time, streamline our processes, and reduce the headaches of paperwork, scheduling, and marketing When done right, it doesn’t replace us –it enhances what we bring to the table.

Now, let’s talk about the game-changer: Artificial Intelligence. AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming how real estate agents work, communicate, and market themselves. And the best part? You don’t need a Ph.D. in computer science to use them. Even I use AI every day and I am probably one of the least tech-savvy people at my firm.

Imagine this: You need a quick description for a new listing. Instead of spending 30 minutes staring at a blank screen, you pop some details into ChatGPT, and within seconds, you’ve got a polished, engaging description Tweak a few words, make it your own, and boom – it’s ready to go That's using ChatGPT at the most basic level

Or maybe you’re swamped with client emails AI can help draft responses, set reminders, or even summarize long conversations to pull out key details You stay on top of things without drowning in your inbox. You can also have an AI Bot attend meetings in your place so you CAN be in multiple places at once!

Important Reminders for Staying Compliant with the Law

From virtual staging to property descriptions, the ways in which REALTORS® can use Artificial Intelligence to assist with advertising are ever growing. Take a moment to watch VAR’s latest Legal Lessons video highlighting certain elements of AI with which YOU need to exercise caution.

leasing your way leasing your way leasing your way through life through life through life

Imagine you just bought the car of your dreams. You had been dreaming about it for years, and you finally have it. You love the slick design, the shiny wheels, the unmistakable new car smell. You are absolutely in love with it! In fact, you would hug it all the time if you could. The day after buying the car, you go to a Starbucks drive-thru to get your favorite drink. As you drive into the narrow lane, you hear a loud scraping sound and you feel your car vibrate. You want to believe it’s not what you think it is You walk out of the car, and sure enough, the beautiful, shiny alloy wheels are now covered with ugly scratch marks It’s as if you are almost feeling those scratches on your body That’s how

Or consider another scenario For Christmas, you got the watch you have been dreaming about for a long time It’s perfect, and it just looks so good on you. You can’t take your eyes off of it. You are looking forward to wearing it everywhere. Every time you look at it, you are filled with joy. A week goes by. As usual, you take it off your wrist as you’re getting ready to go to sleep. All of a sudden, you feel it slipping from your hand. By the time you realize what’s happening, the watch is on the tile floor, the glass shattered to pieces, the dials scattered across the floor, and you have no insurance. How would you feel? What would you feel? More than likely, a lot of pain.

Have you ever been in similar circumstances before? Have you ever experienced this type of pain? If you have been on this earth for any length of time, you almost certainly have But, you may ask, isn’t this everyone’s experience? Isn’t this how it works? Is there any way to avoid the pain of having something happen to things you are attached to?

An American sage and spiritual teacher Robert Adams once wisely said: “Possess all you want, but don’t be possessed by your possessions.” Read the preceding sentence again. What does it mean? How do you interpret that? How can you do that?

Let’s go back to the previous examples. What if your dream car was given to you to drive for a week, with full insurance coverage. It doesn’t matter what happens to the car during the time you drive it When you return it, you are done with it What would be your pain level if you got the wheels scratched at the drive-thru? Knowing that it wasn’t yours to keep and that you were not responsible for it, your pain level would be next to nothing. Wouldn’t you agree? However, didn’t you enjoy driving it as much as you would have if it was yours? You experienced the pleasure of driving your dream car without the pain of something happening to it. The same would be true for the watch example. So, what’s the difference?

The obvious answer is attachment, or more precisely, the possessive pronoun “mine.” Once something becomes mine, our attachment to it skyrockets and so does the corresponding pain

Taking a bird's eye view, can we ever truly say that something is truly “mine” when we ourselves are guests in this life? At best, we are temporarily “leasing” everything in life, as we came here with nothing and will be leaving with nothing.

Don’t get depressed! This realization opens the

door to enjoyment of life on a whole new level. The word that characterizes the new lifestyle is “freedom”! In this new way of living, you can still possess and enjoy everything you want but not be possessed by them. When you have the attitude that everything you own is not actually “mine,” but you are only enjoying it for the time being, it frees you from the burden of unnecessary pain associated with the loss of it. The freedom in itself would be a reward enough for you to give this new attitude a shot and discover the truth yourself But it doesn’t stop there.

When you withdraw the strong attachment to things, you feel the newly liberated space within you beginning to fill with happiness, joy and peace. What happens with the diminution of “me” and “mine” is the cracking of the ego, which is responsible for all of your pain and suffering.

Then you feel divine energy, that has always been within you, slip through the cracks and come to the surface. It takes a hold of you, and your life quality starts to shift completely. You become more loving, more forgiving, more generous, more compassionate. You are no longer bothered by the trifles of life. You can start feeling this power stirring within your heart as you read these words No possession on earth can give you the same feeling, and once you experience it, no loss of any possession can take it away from you

And last but not least, you can’t hide this light within you from others. You will bring joy wherever you go, you will inspire others, and you will live your life to the fullest at every moment.

Now, what are you going to do about it?

ANNUAL DUES SEASON IS

REALTORS® IN ACTION

2025 Installation, Broker Breakfast: Maximizing the Value of REALTOR® Membership

CES 2025: Best Tech Debuts for Real Estate

Reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS®

The tech industry’s annual mega show offers a futuristic look at how to make smarter businesses and smarter homes.

CES, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, unveiled the latest technology innovations this week, from smarter smart home tech, robots for aging in place, supercharged and adaptable laptops, and artificial intelligence baked into practically anything you can imagine (yes, even your eyeglasses!). CES 2025, which took place Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas, featured product debuts from 4,500 exhibitors worldwide. Several of these tech tools may be hitting the market soon or serve as a prototype of what the future could hold.

We rounded up some of the 2025 CES Innovation Award winners and honorees as well as other product debuts that could offer some real estate implications, whether it’s in helping to improve your business or even possibly changing the look of the homes you sell

For Your Eyes Only

One of the most buzzed-about product debuts during CES came from the smart glasses market segment, with the latest models being more lightweight, identical to other glasses and packed with AI features Halliday’s XR smart glasses grabbed media headlines at CES for what all was behind the lens.

Its XR smart glasses include a 3.5-inch DigiWindow projection display within the frames a tiny display made for your eyes only. The glasses discreetly and privately display your messages and notifications, summarize meetings and take notes for you, and can even act as a teleprompter for your speeches or presentations They come with a smart ring for added control of what you view on the screen. The glasses have AI tools that can flash on the screen fact-checked information or even propose answers to questions asked of you. The glasses include speakers for taking phone calls and can translate 40 different languages in real time. Not to mention, they look like just a regular pair of eyeglasses, meaning no one else knows what you’re seeing. Halliday plans to make the glasses available later this quarter for under $500.

Supercharged Laptops

Dell, a REALTOR Benefits® partner, showed off its Dell Pro 14 Premium, a tandem OLED display for personal and professional use It earned recognition at CES for its artificial intelligence tools, with the Dell Pro 14 featuring a dedicated Copilot key. At just two pounds, it’s ultra-portable, touted for its quietness and boasts a battery life of 21 hours.

Lenovo, also a REALTOR Benefits® partner, featured several of its new laptop options, including its AI Now, a personalized AI assistant that can summarize documents, retrieve information and assist with everyday workflow tasks. Besides its AI offerings, Lenovo also debuted what’s being called the first laptop with a rollable screen. Its ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable can extend vertically at the touch of a button or hand gesture The screen can go from 14 inches to 16 7 inches, allowing nearly 50% additional screen space in a still ultra-portable laptop

Instant Phone Charge

No time to wait for your cellphone to charge? Swippitt wants to solve time-wasters from charging phones through its device that works like a toaster for your phone. Drop in your phone, and within two seconds, it’ll pop back up and be fully charged. A smartphone case will include a second battery so that when you drop it in the Swippitt Hub, it’ll instantly swap out the batteries. The hub includes five fully charged batteries inside for quick swaps while on the go.

The AI-Baked Kitchen

Artificial intelligence is heading into the kitchen in a bigger way, from built-in AI capabilities in grills, countertop ovens and more. Samsung’s 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Home and AI Vision Inside 2 0 can automatically recognize and track food items that go in and out of the fridge, alerting you when items are about to expire and adding them to your grocery list when they’re running low. It also can make food or recipe recommendations based on your habits

Another CES innovation honoree, the AI Plant Box, brings gardening into the indoor kitchen The homefarming appliance uses an integrated camera with AI control for plant monitoring and growing, bringing fresh staples to your kitchen

Robot Allies

The robots once again emerged at CES, and here’s one that could even help keep vacant listings tidy: Yarbo. It’s a modular robot designed to autonomously maintain yards and outdoor spaces, no matter the season It can mow the lawn, blow off leaves and plow the snow off the driveway or sidewalk. It adjusts to different weather conditions and lawn maintenance needs Yarbo navigates and operates independently but also can be controlled through a mobile app.

Another robot earning recognition this year at CES was “Lemmy,” a companion care robot for those desiring to age in place at their home. Lemmy, designed through a consortium with Shinsung Delta Tech, UNIST, and JDW, was created to respond to the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of seniors living independently. AI-powered sensors are installed throughout the home, allowing Lemmy to collect real-time information about the person and respond immediately to any necessary support. Lemmy operates through voice commands and connects with home appliances and healthcare devices, keeping seniors connected with friends, family, caregivers and their healthcare professionals

Photo credit: Swippitt
Samsung’s Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator With AI Home / Photo credit: Samsung
Photo credit: Yarbo

Sleeker Screens

Another mainstay at CES each year is TVs, where the bounds of size and image quality are always pushed This year at CES ushered in an era of transparent and hologram-like screens, although still in prototype form, screens that pushed beyond 100 inches or more, 8k picture quality, and paperthin models. These high-tech screens could redesign home living rooms and theater rooms. LG showed off wireless OLED models, like its 77inch 4K OLED Zero Connect Wallpaper TV, a CES Innovation Award honoree At less than a half-inch thick, the TV can blend into the wall without visible wires by using LG’s Zero Connect Box. It wirelessly sends connections to the TV, eliminating cable clutter and freeing up TV placement to wherever you want it.

Meanwhile, Samsung was recognized for its innovations in television imaging, including its RGB Micro LED TV, touted as the world’s first RGB microLED. The RGB model radiates more than 8 million points of light in red, blue and green lights that reportedly can offer deeper, more vibrant colors to the TV screen compared to previous models The device, offered in models up to 98 inches, features an ultra-slim design and low power consumption. Also, Samsung’s The Frame Pro turns the TV screen into artwork when not in use With The Frame’s latest iteration, Samsung boasts it has brighter colors and sharper contrasts and also comes with more wireless capabilities for installation.

Clearing the Air

With the wellness home design trend still hot, air purification continues to be top of mind. A2US’ MEW Air Purifier was recognized as a CES innovator for its portable, compact size, which can even fit into a vehicle cup holder. The MEW Air Purifier uses electrohydrodynamic technology just water and electricity to eliminate germs, viruses and dust. The device is also filter-free, offering a low-maintenance option for air purification.

Safety Devices

More than a quarter of real estate professionals report feeling unsafe when meeting new clients at secluded locations or properties, yet 40% admit still doing this alone, according to the 2024 Member Safety Residential Reportpdf, published by the National Association of REALTORS® Safety protocols and devices can be important for helping to keep real estate professionals safe. Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus allows you to call for help in an emergency even when out of cell service range This SOS satellite communicator a 2025 CES Best of Innovation winner can send photos and voice messages in an emergency. It offers twoway texting and location sharing and can send alerts to Garmin Response, a 24/7 staffed international emergency assistance coordination center The device has a battery that can last for weeks.

Pet Care

Pets have been earning more attention in real estate, with some real estate pros even marketing a property’s pet-friendliness in their listings as a selling point Twenty percent of consumers say a home with pet-friendly attributes would even make them want to increase the price they offer to pay for a home, according to a survey conducted last year by Quicken Loans. Pet tech innovations were hyped at CES 2025, including an attempt to reinvent pet doors Pawport says its high-tech security door can retrofit existing pet doors, which they refer to as old-fashioned, flimsy, unsightly and vulnerable to bugs or other critters sneaking in and air leaks. The Pawport is installed inside and outside of the door and only opens when a pet approaches it. The pet wears a small Bluetooth device that can send an alert to the door when they’re near. The Pawport app also allows for remote or voice control, setting a curfew and other scheduling functionality.

AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT

Name: First American Home Warranty

Territory: Virginia & The Carolinas (Coastal Cities)

Year Established: 1984

HRRA Affiliate Member since: 2024

Contact Information

w: www.go.fahw.com

e: jmccormick@fahw.com

p: (757) 390-8785

Home Warranty and Real Estate Services

Why we got into this business: We got into the home warranty business to provide homeowners and real estate professionals with peace of mind through reliable coverage for unexpected repairs and replacements. Our goal is to simplify homeownership and enhance the buying and selling experience by offering valuable protection and exceptional service.

Why we joined HRRA: We joined HRRA to strengthen our connections within the local real estate community and stay informed on industry trends and best practices. Being a part of this association allows us to better serve our clients by leveraging educational resources, networking opportunities, and market insights

Why we love doing what we do: We love what we do because it allows us to build meaningful relationships while providing solutions that genuinely make life easier for homeowners and real estate professionals. Helping people feel confident and secure in their homes brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to our work every day.

Our favorite HRRA event and why: The HRRA Annual Expo & Conference, as it encourages networking and gaining knowledge from industry leaders

Best piece of advice to REALTORS®: The best advice for REALTORS® is to focus on building genuine relationships and maintaining consistent communication with clients. By being proactive, trustworthy, and solutions-oriented, you’ll not only close deals but also earn lasting referrals and repeat business

The one thing we want REALTORS® to know about our industry is: We want REALTORS® to know that the home warranty industry is here to complement their efforts by adding value to every transaction, providing their clients with protection and peace of mind long after closing. Partnering with a reliable home warranty company can enhance their reputation and help create a smoother, more satisfying homeownership experience for their clients.

Continuing Education

Log into the Info Hub to sign up!

8 Hour Required Topics

January 23, February 27, March 27 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, $65

Contract Pitfalls

January 14, February 4, March 11 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, $35

Real Estate Pitfalls

January 14, February 4, March 11 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, $35

Triennial Code of Ethics

February 7

9:00 AM–12:00 PM, $5

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

of Home Buying?

Virtual Reality: Virtual Reality: Virtual Reality: The The The Future of Home Buying? Future of Home Buying? Future

We’ve all been there: A client has a REALTOR®, their financing is approved, and their Zillow account is working overtime. Now comes the tiresome slog of driving all over town or sometimes across states to tour potential homes. Some don’t meet their expectations right away: maybe it’s the outdated tile or a hot-pink backsplash. Finding the perfect house can take days, weeks, or even months. But does it have to be this way? Maybe not.

The Rise of Virtual Reality in Real Estate

Virtual reality (VR) isn’t new its origins trace back to 1968 but its recent affordability has opened the door to practical applications beyond gaming. For instance, you can purchase a Meta Quest headset for around $300, roughly the price of a smart TV. And yes, while your teenager might use it for playing Gorilla Tag (and possibly putting a hole in the wall), VR is evolving to serve much broader purposes.

The VR market is already valued at $8.2 billion and is projected to grow by 30% annually over the next decade. This growth stems from its increasing integration into daily life. Meta has introduced the ability to watch basketball games courtside through VR, and Apple’s Vision Pro promises a fully virtual workspace But how does this tie into home buying?

A Game-Changer for Buyers

Imagine sitting on your couch, putting on a VR headset, and starting your house hunt. With VR, you can tour dozens of homes without leaving your living room. Inspect every detail from countertops to baseboards and even that quirky backsplash. Want to check out the neighborhood? Some VR systems can let you “walk” down the street, explore nearby schools, or locate the closest pizza place. By the time you schedule an in-person visit, you’ll know the house is worth your time.

A New Tool for REALTORS®

For REALTORS®, VR opens a world of possibilities You can preview properties as soon as they hit the market and create curated virtual tours tailored to your client’s dream home before you’ve even signed the contract. Buyers could visualize renovations, test out different paint colors, or virtually place furniture to see how their own style fits into a space. REALTORS® could use AR to stage homes digitally, eliminating the cost and effort of traditional staging.

Builders might even use VR to give potential buyers a virtual walkthrough of homes that haven’t been constructed yet, making pre-sales more tangible and enticing.

As these technologies evolve, their impact on real estate will continue to grow, unlocking new ways to connect buyers and sellers while enhancing the overall experience. The future isn’t just virtual it’s virtually limitless.

About the Author

Doug Almeida is the vice president of digital banking at Chartway Credit Union He oversees digital adoption and implementation, digital banking product capabilities, user acceptance testing, and member needs and experience from a digital standpoint.

Virginia REALTORS® is now providing a new complimentary benefit through a partnership with FOREWARN, an application that brings knowledge to the real estate industry through innovative solutions to ensure safer engagements and smarter interactions. You can begin properly and safely planning for showings, with a higher level of intelligence and confidence, by activating your account today.

If you already have an account, there is nothing you need to do. If you have login or billing issues, please contact FOREWARN.

Set Up Your Complimentary FOREWARN Account Today

Click here and enter your email address when prompted to do so (be sure to use the same email address that this email was sent to as it will serve as your FOREWARN ‘Username’) 1.

2 You will receive an activation email from FOREWARN, open it and click the link as instructed If you do not see the email, be sure to check your junk/spam folder

3. You will be prompted to enter an authentication code that will have just been texted, or optionally read to you via automated call, to your phone number on file. Upon completion you will be prompted to create a password.

4. Now you are ready to download the FOREWARN app by clicking on the appropriate link below from your mobile device, or searching for FOREWARN in the app store.

Click here from your mobile device for iOS / Apple / iPhone / iPad app

Click here from your mobile device for Android app

5 After activating your account, you can also log into your FOREWARN account from any web browser via the FOREWARN.com homepage (click ‘Sign In’ at top-right) or via this link.

Welcome, New Members!

Alexander Di Cenzo - HomeServices Property Management

Andrea Holland - LPT Realty, LLC

Efrain Painter - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia

Grisseth Rezmerski - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Hai Huynh - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk

Hannah Turner - Keller Williams Elite-757

Holly Lyons - AMW Real Estate

James Oberhaus - Iron Valley Real Estate Newport News

Jesse Hepburn - Real Broker, LLC

Jodi Linney - Atlantic Sotheby's International

Joshua Zemp - Harrell Homes Real Estate

Kevin Marshall - LPT Realty, LLC

Leigh Badoyen - Real Broker, LLC

Lovell Cooper - Real Broker, LLC

Madeline Moore - Keller Williams Elite-757

Malisha Todd - Century 21 Nachman Realty

Margot Lucchesi - Real Broker, LLC

Micah Gordon - eXp Realty LLC

Omar Holloman - Iron Valley Real Estate Newport News

Patrick Viau - Iron Valley Real Estate Newport News

Sandra Morales - Real Broker, LLC

Sherrie Good - Judy Reed Realty

Stephanie Nelson - Iron Valley Real Estate Virginia

NEW BROKER FIRM

Everett Real Estate LLC

NEW SECONDARY MEMBERS

Nadie DuBose - Cherished Destiny Real Estate, Paragon Real Estate Group

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
January 2025 Magazine by hrrarealtors - Issuu