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Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP)

The Virginia REALTORS® Government Relations team, along with our Chief Economist, has worked diligently with the Governor’s administration for months to ease the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on housing providers and their tenants. This hard work on behalf of our members has resulted in the streamlining of the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP) to be more helpful to landlords, property managers, and renters. 

Through the RMRP, eligible landlords, or their property manager, can now apply on behalf of their tenants to receive financial assistance for past-due rental payments dating back to April 1, 2020. Funding for RMRP is through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on November 15, 2020. 

The RMRP is administered through Virginia Housing (formerly the Virginia Housing Development Authority) and was designed to provide partial relief for renters experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For more information and to get started with the application process, visit VirginiaHousing.com/RMRP.

 

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Financial Wellness LIVE: Virtual Edition 2020

Finances are fundamental, especially during unprecedented times. NAR’s Center for REALTOR® Financial Wellness will be hosting an all-day virtual event on Wednesday, October 7 starting at 10:00 a.m. CT. Encourage your members to register and take advantage of this  opportunity to hear from leading financial experts who will offer valuable insights that will help drive strategic growth and long-term stability for their personal and business success.
Sessions Include:

  • Session 1: What Keeps You Up At Night Financially?
    Gain insight, answers and perhaps relief, when you hear from a Certified Financial Planner who will help you overcome common financial challenges REALTORS® face during this time. 

    Presented by: Rich Arzaga, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Wealth Management

  • Session 2: Helping REALTORS® With Irregular Income Manage Their Finances
    Navigate through a financial shock and develop money-saving strategies.

    Presented by: Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, CEO and co-founder of TheMoneyCoach.net LLC

  • Session 3: Retirement Planning for Independent Contractors
    Determine how much you will need for the retirement you envision and how to develop a retirement strategy that maximizes your likelihood of success.

    Presented by: Mike Engel, Director of Corporate Retirement and National Strategic Partner for Graystone Consulting & Jim Phillip, SVP Wealth Management Financial Advisor and Senior Investment Management Consultant
Registration for NAR members is $20.00 as part of the Right Tools, Right Now Program. Non-members are welcome at $30.00.

The first 300 registrants are eligible to win one of three $100 VISA gift cards!
Register Now!
To learn more about NAR’s Center for REALTOR® Financial Wellness click here.

 

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VPAR issues Scam Alert to Members

VPAR has issued a scam alert for something it is calling the “Do Me a Favor” scam. Scammers have started posing as VPAR leadership and sending members messages asking for a favor such as for a gift card.
VPAR cites several reports of people getting texts or emails from VPAR leader asking them to purchase gift cards or to provide a phone number to text a link. The scammer then would then ask people for their account numbers and other personal information.
It may say he or she is traveling or too busy to purchase the gift cards. Scammers employ some sophisticated techniques, like spoofing email addresses and phone numbers to match or closely resemble a VPAR Leader.
VPAR reminds all members that whenever someone asks you to purchase gift cards or give out personal information over the phone or by email, it’s most likely a scam. Always contact the person directly using your own contact info to confirm any request is real.
Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?
U.S. Federal Internet Fraud Complaint Center www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
Local
If you are defrauded by someone you met in person, contact your local police department.
Tips to help sidestep would-be scammers:
Never Give Out Financial or Personal Information – bank account, social security number, birth date, eBay/PayPal info, etc.
Never Wire Funds Via Western Union, Moneygram Or Any Other Wire Service
Fake Cashier Checks & Money Orders Are Common, And Banks Will Cash Them And Then Hold You Responsible
Avoid Deals Involving Shipping or Escrow Services – and know that only a scammer will “Guarantee” your transaction.