Email:
EDITOR: DR DAWN KENNEDY (dkennedy@hrra com)
SALES: Misty Pritchett (advertising@ hrra com)
HRRA
Bringing Order to an Evolving Industry
Excerpt reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS®
The three-way agreement describes how the local, state and national associations use their collective voices and resources to help effectively support your business and the REALTOR® mission of preserving, protecting and advancing the right of real property for all.
At the National Association of REALTORS®’ Leadership Summit in August, executives at every level of the organization local, state and national were in the room They gathered in downtown Chicago to share ideas about effective association management and what positions the REALTOR® organization to meet the evolving needs of its membership.
The meetings were a real-world representation of the three-way agreement, a nearly 100-year-old organizational structure that is effective at supporting members’ businesses and amplifying their voices. The three-way agreement makes the widely recognized and respected REALTOR® brand possible, a brand which gives members immediate visibility and authority in the marketplace.
“When you’re working the halls of the statehouse and you talk about how we have this bond between the local, state and national, [other organizations are] jealous of that bond,” says Jarrod Grasso, former CEO of the New Jersey REALTORS® and current Senior Vice President of Industry Relations . “They wish that they could be as organized as we are as an association.”
In a nutshell, the three-way agreement streamlines Code of Ethics adherence and accountability on all three levels and creates alignment around member communications, benefits and advocacy efforts. The agreement’s framework enables NAR, state and local organizations to mobilize in a unified way, adding power and urgency to the REALTOR® voice. It also grants local and state associations the use of the term “REALTOR® ”
“I look at the membership kind of holistically that a local member in Cape May, N.J., is getting the same level of services from my organization, and hopefully from their local association and the national association, as that same person in Bergen County, N.J.,” Grasso adds.
The agreement, adopted in 1927, establishes NAR’s structure as a “federation,” or a union of organizations Any member of a local REALTOR® association is also a member of their state association and the national association Under the federated structure, NAR represents 1 4 million members across 54 state and territory associations, enhancing NAR’s effectiveness in lobbying for the health of the $3.7 trillion housing industry and private property rights around the country.
Grasso says one example of the effectiveness of NAR’s three-way agreement is a recent legal victory in which real estate professionals in New Jersey were able to keep their independent contractor status. The New Jersey Supreme Court early in 2024 dismissed a 2019 class-action lawsuit against the brokerage Weichert, REALTORS®, challenging agents’ worker classification. The state also passed legislation clarifying agents’ classification status
“We used Issues Mobilization funds that were made available to us from the National Association of REALTORS®, along with our own state funds, to educate elected officials on the impact if we were to lose our independent contractor status,” Grasso says. “We were still being challenged in the courts, and we applied for Legal Action funds [from NAR], which helped us bolster our case.”
The three-way agreement allows us to work together in places where it makes sense and allows us to get out of each other’s way in the places where it doesn’t.”
Dear HRRA Members,
DR. DAWN KENNEDY: CEO BRIEF
“HRRA
has, by far, the most interaction with members and we strive for that personal touch.”
With dues season upon us, I felt this month’s issue which centers on the three-way agreement was quite appropriate Many members do not fully read their invoice; it is imperative that members understand that the local association is required to invoice and collect for not only itself, but also for the state and national associations. We also do not set the due dates for when dues collection must be completed. The membership year is established by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and requires NAR dues payments for each of the local associations’ active licensees be paid no later than January 31. The Virginia Association of REALTORS® has the same dues deadline. If HRRA pays late, it potentially faces substantial penalty fees.
While we invoice and collect for all three organizations, HRRA retains 44% and sends the rest forward HRRA bears all the cost of collection for the three organizations including mailings, postage, credit card processing fees, and most importantly, staff time. While we are the “bill collector,” we understand why HRRA has, by far, the most interaction with members, and we strive for that personal touch. We pride ourselves on knowing your name, and if a member avails themselves of the multiple offerings of HRRA, we know you by sight. We strive to always make members feel welcome and appreciated. Therefore, we are the logical choice to fill this critical role within the three-way agreement.
The three-way agreement, wherein a member must join all three levels of organized real estate the local, state and national is so incredibly powerful because there are 1 4 million members all in lockstep promoting the protection of private property rights and the profitability of the brokers and agents. The resources and influence of NAR flow down to VAR and then to HRRA. Your benefits start at HRRA with local research, local data, local news, local networking, targeted local education, and local advocacy. They then flow up to VAR where they are amplified by a phenomenal lobbying team helping to shape the laws that guide Virginia members, a legal hotline, a tech hotline, and a safety app with national data. The work of VAR is then informed by national trends, national research, and most importantly, the advocacy work of our national advocacy team. The three-way agreement means three time the power to propel member success
Happy Selling!
Dr Dawn Kennedy
Professional Standards: A Deep Dive
One of the core functions of a local leadership association is the administration and enforcement of professional standards While this is a local benefit, compliance and sworn adherence are 100% required for membership in the National Association of REALTORS®. All local associations must include new member Code of Ethics training and triennial training in their bylaws to maintain their charter. (The charter grants authority to operate as a 501(c)(6) and provides coverage under NAR’s D&O and E&O insurance policies.)
Local associations must either offer professional standards administration themselves or have an agreement with a cooperative typically, the state association provides this service. At HRRA, we administer and enforce the ethics and arbitration program
Recently, I was asked whether, as a REALTOR®, arbitration is mandatory before going to court. Brokers should remember that when they apply for membership in HRRA and NAR, their signed application is a contract. One of its provisions is that the broker agrees to abide by the Code of Ethics. There are cases where the grievance committee may determine that a matter is too complex or the dollar amount too high or too low for the association to proceed with arbitration. In those cases, the duty to arbitrate before pursuing other action is waived.
Back to the question, I point to Article 17: Article 17
In the event of contractual disputes or specific noncontractual disputes as defined in Standard of Practice 17-4 between REALTORS® (principals) associated with different firms, arising out of their relationship as REALTORS®, the REALTORS® shall mediate the dispute if the Board requires its members to mediate. If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, or if mediation is not required, REALTORS® shall submit the dispute to arbitration
in accordance with the policies of the Board rather than litigate the matter.
In the event clients of REALTORS® wish to mediate or arbitrate contractual disputes arising out of real estate transactions, REALTORS® shall mediate or arbitrate those disputes in accordance with the policies of the Board, provided the clients agree to be bound by any resulting agreement or award
The obligation to participate in mediation and arbitration contemplated by this Article includes the obligation of REALTORS® (principals) to cause their firms to mediate and arbitrate and be bound by any resulting agreement or award. (Amended 1/12).
3 Ways Advocacy Works for You 3 Ways Advocacy Works for You
The three-way agreement in REALTOR® language is an essential part of success for members at the local, state, and federal levels. Advocacy works much the same way.
First, policies that most affect your business and your clients begin at the local level. That is why your association is so committed to advocating for you. Advocacy is the lifeblood of the association, and your ability to work, your client’s ability to afford a home, private property rights, short-term rentals (STRs), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), zoning ordinances, and Smart Growth principles all begin closest to home Politics is local, Advocacy is local, and most success is local.
So, to create a bridge from the local level to the state level, there is the consideration of the state code. Since Virginia is a Dillon Rule State, local jurisdictions can only exercise powers, create ordinances, and regulations that are expressly granted by the State. What? How is that democratic? Virginia formally adopted the Dillon Rule through judicial precedent rather than legislation. The Virginia Supreme Court first cited the Dillon Rule in 1882, and despite multiple attempts to overturn it and become a Home Rule state, it has endured the test of time
Second, housing policies made at the state level are passed down to local jurisdictions. What does that mean for you? It means that you have a coordinated team of the local advocacy committee working with the state advocacy team to ensure laws are passed to enhance and protect your business. This is important because local jurisdictions are then unable to impede on state authority. State-level advocacy also works to defeat laws from other interests that could damage your clients or your ability to do business. In the 2025 General Assembly, the State advocacy team acted on eighty bills, helped to pass twenty-four bills, helped to defeat
twenty-two bills that would have caused harm to your business, and amended 25 bills to better protect you and your clients. You can see the scorecard here on the Virginia REALTORS® website.
So, to create another bridge to the third tier, state and local association advocates collaborate with the National Association of REALTORS® Advocacy Team to bring the power of more than 1 4 million REALTOR® voices to the halls of Capitol Hill in Washington, D C What? Does my voice actually count? You bet it does, and in a big way The National Association of REALTORS® has been able to rack up some big wins so far in 2025. Among the most notable wins is the Road to Housing Act focusing on expanding housing supply and affordability. Read more about the advocacy wins here.
The three-way advocacy model is a win for you and your business. You and your clients are protected, and your advocacy team works
understand the importance of protecting private property rights. That is where you come in. Your RPAC (REALTORS® Political Action Committee) contributions make the fight possible. Please consider joining the fight for you and your precious clients
The Three-way Agreement
.
Reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS®.
Extracted from Section 2, Chapter 1 of The Answer Book. Reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS®
The Envy of Others
You may not realize it, but the Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (HRRA) is the envy of many associations across the country Surprised? Good Proud? Even better Don’t believe me? Well, read on
Worldwide, many organizations wish they had the depth of knowledge and the skills that live within the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
We are a trade association with tremendous abilities, made super-strong by our agreement that includes local, state, and national associations (the Three-Way Agreement). You are members of HRRA, VAR (Virginia REALTORS®), and NAR, with all the benefits that come from those connections.
We are an advocacy organization first and foremost. We are committed to preserving property rights and protecting people who invest in what is typically their biggest asset ever their home and/or their investment properties, or commercial properties. There is nothing more pervasive than the need for shelter, and that is where we come in
Our advocacy goes from grassroots to grasstops Huh? The effort to preserve and protect property rights starts here at home (grassroots), with all of us REALTORS®. It is here that we deal with the
LtoR:HRRAPastChairwomanTanyaMonroe;Vice-MayorofVirginiaBeach andHRRAMemberRosemaryWilson;HRRA,VAR,andNARPastPresident DorcasHelfant-Browning;VirginiaBeachCityCouncilmanMichaelBerlucchi
, .
We help determine legislative agendas on the local level, and we carry that message to the state level, where we also have influence because we are KNOWN! From there, we further our connections to the national level, where we are extremely well regarded and we have many voices working on our behalf (grasstops) When going through the many changes brought about in the last couple of years because of lawsuits around the country, one of our top lobbyists, Joe Harris of NAR, said the most remarkable thing he heard on Capitol Hill in Washington was a repeated phrase said to us from many members of Congress, which was: “How can we help?” THAT is the kind of response we need when we are out to protect our past, present, and future clients and customers.
The voice we have is critical, now more than ever, as we continue to see some challenges for those we work so hard to help in the process of making good decisions And it all starts here
Having served (and continuing to do so) in leadership at all three levels of our organization, it is that symbiotic relationship between the associations that gets things done, even when the odds seem overwhelming. Our ability to always have a voice with legislators is paramount to our continuing success in our business as we guide our clients and customers…and ourselves.
2025 President of the Board, Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association Jay Mitchell
Strengths: The
One Family, Many One Family, Many Strengths: The
Lasting
Lasting
Power of REALTOR® Power of REALTOR® Connections Connections
One Family, Many Strengths: The Lasting Power of REALTOR® Connections
One of the greatest strengths of our profession is something very simple but entirely powerful: we are part of something larger something that gives us a voice, a foundation, and a platform to make a difference.
That strength is rooted in the Three-Way Agreement between our national, state, and local REALTOR® associations. Sometimes members ask, “Why do I need to be part of three associations? What is the real value of this agreement?” Those are fair questions, and the answer is this: each level i ti i fl d ll ti e
Lorraine Arora
2025 President, Virginia REALTORS®
At the national level, NAR carries our united voice to Washington, providing influence, research, and resources that protect our businesses and defend homeownership.
These three levels are not separate they are interdependent. They were built to work hand in hand. Because of that, whether you are in Hampton Roads, Richmond, or anywhere in the U.S., you benefit from the collective power of over 1.4 million REALTORS®.
The Three-Way Agreement is not bureaucracy it is family. It is a promise that your commitment and your views go further than you could ever imagine. From Hampton Roads to Richmond to Capitol Hill, it protects your clients, your profession, and your livelihood
LorraineAroraaddressestheHamptonRoads REALTORS®atthe2025LegislativeReception
At the state level, advocacy grows stronger. We are your shield at the Capitol in Richmond, protecting property rights, ensuring fair practices, and keeping real estate thriving.
So when you question its value, remember this: it is your voice amplified, your influence multiplied, your profession safeguarded, and your community represented. Let us honor it, respect it, and embrace it not as an obligation, but as a privilege.
United through this agreement, we are stronger, more effective, and respected at every level. One REALTOR® family, one powerful voice that protects our profession and our communities.
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Name: Choice Home Warranty
Territory: Hampton Roads, VA
Year Established: 2008
HRRA Affiliate Member Since: 2019
Company Details Contact Information
w: chwpro.com
e: sblamer@chwpro.com
p: 757-752-0298
Company Specialties
Why we got into this business: We entered into the business because we believe in the importance of homeownership and our mission of making the American Dream more affordable
Why we joined HRRA: We joined the HRRA to connect with local real estate professionals and collaborate on providing exceptional service to our clients.
Why we love doing what we do: The satisfaction of knowing we provide a safety net for homeowners while strengthening agent relationships this fuels our passion every day.
Our favorite satisfied customer story: We recently helped a top luxury agent save $5 million dollars of production in one month by including our multi-year policies for the buyers. I can teach you this strategy, too!
Favorite HRRA event: Our favorite HRRA event is the annual Expo & Conference It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with real estate professionals and share insights!
Most memorable HRRA moment: Being recognized within the community for outstanding service.
Best piece of advice for REALTORS®: Always prioritize communication with your clients and educate them about the value of a home warranty. A well-informed client understands the protection a warranty offers, which alleviates their concerns and enhances your reputation. Helping them see a warranty as a safety net can lead to smoother transactions and greater client satisfaction.
The one thing we want REALTORS® to know about our industry is: Home warranties are not just an added expense; they are a valuable investment that can protect both the homeowner and agent. Educating clients on warranty benefits can lead to happier, more informed homeowners
Home Warranty
Sydney Balmer AccountExecutive
Streamlined Communications - Your HRRA Member Benefit
HRRA communications, a benefit you may not be aware of.
Each week HRRA produces an enewsletter, the eREALTOR®, which not only assists the member in planning their networking and/or educational investment in their business, but it also is a recap of local, state and national news. In addition, the eREALTOR® also features new tech available, and highlights discounts from national companies to improve your profitability
Are you communicating to your clients the upcoming regulation and legislation that may impact them? Are you interested in how advocacy on all three levels of government affects you? The HRRA monthly GADWire provides you with the most recent news from all three levels of government from city council updates such as comprehensive planning meetings, to state level advocacy, to US Supreme Court wins. If you are not currently receiving the GADWire, contact marketing@hrra.com to get on the distribution list.
Looking to break into commercial or already a commercial practitioner? The monthly HRRA Commercial Newsletter keeps you up to date on the market, commercial trends, and events, including local CCIM events, and lists available commercial classes offered by CCIM and HRRA. You must sign up to receive this special publication. To be placed on the distribution list, contact marketing@hrra.com.
The quarterly HRRA Magazine provides you with insights into topics critical to your business. Each issue features a deep dive into an
Announcement
Starting January 1, 2026, as part of HRRA’s effort to streamline communications and deliver more value, the HRRA magazine will become a quarterly publication.
ethics or arbitration case. As a side note, HRRA has voted to publish repeat ethics offenders; publication can only be initiated if the member was found in violation of the same article within a 3year period.
The HRRA Annual Report is published each December, and limited hard copies are available. Contact marketing@hrra.com to reserve your printed copy. The HRRA Annual Report contains critical information about how your dues money was spent It also features any major changes in HRRA policy or procedures In addition, key member data is featured from the number of members to the number of professional standards cases. Each year the HRRA Annual Report is available on the HRRA.com website “About” section, with the current report being released after the HRRA installation of Directors & Officers.
Continuing Educatio
Log into the MyHRRA Membership Portal to sign up!
Contract Pitfalls
December 2
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, $35
Real Estate Pitfalls
December 2 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, $35
8 Hour Required Topics
November 13, December 11 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, $65
Broker Real Estate Finance
November 17
9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $370
Brokerage
December 15 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $370
Welcome, New Members!
Adenrele Adebiyi - Iron Valley Real Estate Virginia
Andrea Taylor - Own Real Estate LLC
Ashley Irvin - Real Broker LLC
Bristy Ball - 1st Class Real Estate Barn Door
Candy Robertson - Howard Hanna Real Estate Serv.
Clara Bruner - Real Broker LLC
Clayton Anthony - Real Broker, LLC
Cody Zagar - RE/MAX Prime
Conner Fentress - Keyrenter of Hampton Roads
Daniel Bumgarner - Better Homes & Gardens Real Es
Danielle Johnson - Coastal Life Realty
Donn'Jai Basehore - Own Real Estate LLC
Erin Lasseter - AMW Real Estate
Garett Davidson - Own Real Estate LLC
Heather Ramey - RE/MAX Prime
Jalessa Hendricks - Creed Realty
Jasmine Forbes-Trotman - BHHS RW Towne Volvo Pkwy
Jennifer Quintanar - Real Broker, LLC
Joseph Tidwell - Real Broker, LLC
Joshua Elliott - Long & Foster Kempsville
Julia Claytor - CENTURY 21 Top Producers
Lisa Richardson - RealTrue LLC
Lori Kraft - Judy Boone Realty
Maurice Marsh - Keller Williams Town Center
Michelle Grohe - RealTrue LLC
NATALIE DESURNE - LPT Realty LLC
Noel Manalo - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk
Pamela Maldonado - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk,
Keller Williams Coastal Virginia
Patrick Riley - Swell Real Estate Co
Paula Riddick - The Bryant Group
Raffaella Miller - Pointe East Realty Inc
Ryan Buckingham - The Bryant Group
Sandra Summers - Long & Foster Kempsville
Sarah Kane - Iron Valley Real Estate Newport News
Susan Haley Corson - The Real Estate Group
Tanhara Monge - The Real Estate Group
Tatiana Sharko - eXp Realty LLC-VB
Valeria Sampietro - Iron Valley Real Estate Virginia
Vince Wilson - KW Allegiance
Vincent Lyons - Real Broker, LLC
Virginia Rowe - Upton Realty
William Evans - Century 21 Nachman Realty
New Designated REALTOR®
Rusty Smith - AXEN Realty
New REALTOR® Office
AXEN Realty
RealTrue LLC
New Secondary Designated REALTOR®
Don Samson - Samson Properties
Jessica Lettiere - Long & Foster
New Secondary REALTOR®
Graham Guy - Iron Valley Real Estate Virginia
Jennifer Huether - Swell Real Estate Co
Luis Carrillo - eXp Realty LLC
Kim Veillon - Coastal Towne Realty
Mark Ivanovic - LPT Realty LLC
New Secondary REALTOR® Office
Samson Properties
New Affiliate Company
Goosehead Insurance - Jongquist Agency
Holestin Insurance Services Inc (GEICO)
Legal 1031 Exchange Services LLC
TheHomeMag - Hampton Roads
UPCOMINGHRRA OFFICECLOSURES
Tuesday, November 11 - Veteran’s Day
Thursday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Friday
Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day
Friday, December 26 - Christmas
Wednesday, December 31 (closing at 1 p.m.) - NYE
Thursday, January 1 - New Year’s Day
