The Coastal Virginia
REALTOR
®
FALL 2026
REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH
CONTENTS Interested in submitting an article for a future issue? Email: editors@hrra.com
IN EVERY ISSUE 04
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
05
CEO BRIEF
06
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS: A DEEP DIVE
20
REALTORS® IN ACTION
28
ALPHA EDUCATION SCHEDULE
29
WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!
31
THANK YOU, PARTNERS!
HIGHLIGHTS
DEEPFAKE VIDEO CALLS – FRAUD OF THE FUTURE p. 12
LIFE CHANGES, LEGAL NEEDS, AND LASTING CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS p. 15
FEATURES 08
PRIORITIZE SAFETY THIS SEPTEMBER
09
THE ONE ASSET EVERY AGENT MUST PROTECT
13
SADDLE UP FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL EXPO & CONFERENCE
14
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT: ANCHOR LEGAL GROUP, PLLC
17
SPEAKER SERIES: AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT PANEL
23
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT 2: PEACE, LOVE, AND LITTLE DONUTS
32
UPCOMING OFFICE CLOSURES
CAN AI MAKE REAL ESTATE SAFER? THE FUTURE OF AGENT SAFETY p.18
REAL ESTATE WIRE FRAUD IS EVOLVING: IS YOUR BROKERAGE READY? p.21
HOA SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS MAY RAISE NEW QUESTIONS FOR HOME BUYERS p.24
EDITOR' S NOTE EDITOR: DR. DAWN KENNEDY (dkennedy@coavar.com) SALES: Misty Pritchett (advertising@ coavar.com) CoaVAR reserves the right to edit or refuse all submissions for publication. CoaVAR reserves the right to receive royalties from some programs and services. Views and advertising expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of, nor endorsed by, CoaVAR. COAVAR MAGAZINE
| 3
President’s Message Prioritizing Your Peace of Mind: Essential REALTOR® Safety Habits “Above all, your sharpest safety asset is your own intuition, so always trust your gut.” As real estate professionals across Coastal Virginia, our days are filled with whirlwind schedules—coordinating showings, hosting open houses, and guiding clients toward their goals. In the fast-paced rush of closing deals, it is all too easy to let personal safety fall to the back burner. However, no transaction or commission check is ever worth jeopardizing your personal well-being. Prioritizing safety isn't about operating in fear; it is about establishing smart, non-negotiable habits that empower us to conduct business with complete confidence and peace of mind. One of our most effective defensive tools is already right at your fingertips: FOREWARN. Provided as a complimentary member benefit, FOREWARN allows you to instantly verify client identities, cross-check public records, and review criminal backgrounds using just a prospect's phone number or name before you ever meet face-to-face. Taking ten seconds to screen a new buyer before stepping into a property isn't paranoia—it is basic professional due diligence that protects both you and your business.
Establishing strong operational safeguards long before you pull up to a property makes all the difference. Never meet an unfamiliar prospect alone at a vacant home; instead, arrange your initial consultation at your office or a busy public spot, and always ask to see a government-issued photo ID. Keep live location sharing continuously 4 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
active with a trusted colleague or family member, and always communicate your daily itinerary, including where you are heading and precisely when you expect to return. Additionally, set up a pre-arranged distress code word with your office or family—such as asking someone to locate a "blue folder"—so you can discreetly request immediate assistance without alerting a prospect if a situation turns uncomfortable. When you are on-site at a listing, simple spatial habits keep you in control of your environment. During showings, position yourself behind the client so you are never trapped in a basement, walk-in closet, or deadend hallway, letting them enter room spaces first. When arriving at a property, avoid long driveways where another vehicle could block you in; park along the street curb facing the exit direction for a fast departure. For open houses, try to work in pairs, keep deadbolts locked on unnecessary exterior access doors, and ensure your path to the primary exit remains completely unobstructed. Above all, your sharpest safety asset is your own intuition, so always trust your gut. If something feels off, unsettling, or plain wrong about a meeting or an individual, do not hesitate or second-guess yourself—leave immediately, make a polite excuse from a distance, or decline the appointment entirely. Let’s continue looking out for one another across Coastal Virginia and ensure every single member makes it home safely at the end of every day.
CEO Brief Safety, Service, and the REALTOR® Standard “A key driver of the merger was creating a stronger regional voice in legislative advocacy.” Dear CoaVAR Members—
Case #1-19: Legislation
Knowledge
of
Proposed
Wow, we did it! In service to the needs of our brokerage and agent community, HRRA and VPAR have merged to create the Coastal Virginia Association of REALTORS® (CoaVAR), pronounced COA as in the word "coast" and VAR rhyming with "far." September is REALTOR® Safety Month. As our members should know, our state association, VAR, provides every member with an incredibly valuable safety tool: the FOREWARN® app. If you have not yet taken advantage of this member benefit, please visit VAR's FOREWARN page. You must download the app through VAR's website; otherwise, you will be charged the $240 annual subscription fee. That's right. Even though annual VAR dues are only $203, you receive a $240 annual subscription to a product that could literally save your life. It is also an incredible time-saver, providing a comprehensive background check on potential buyers and sellers. This month's magazine covers the safety requirements of Article 1. As we begin merging committees following the association merger, an Article 1 case interpretation is particularly relevant. A key driver of the merger was creating a stronger regional voice in legislative advocacy. As committee volunteers work through a new model for accomplishing our advocacy mission, this case interpretation reveals just how important this committee's work is.
(Originally Case #2-5. Revised and transferred to Article 7 as Case #7-23 May, 1988. Transferred to Article 1 November, 1994.) REALTOR® A received a letter from the ABC College in another city stating that one of its old graduates in REALTOR® A’s city had willed a vacant property in that community to the college. The letter explained that the college had no use for the property, and wanted REALTOR® A to sell it at its fair market value. The proceeds would go to the endowment fund of the college. REALTOR® A suggested a price for the property, an exclusive listing contract was executed, and in less than a month the lot was sold and settlement made with the college. Two weeks later, a trustee of the college, who handled its investments, filed a complaint against REALTOR® A charging negligence in knowledge of proposed local legislation which had resulted in sale of the property at approximately one-eighth of its fair market value. The Grievance Committee referred it for hearing before a panel of the Professional Standards Committee. The Professional Standards Committee scheduled a hearing and notified REALTOR A and the college trustee to be present. The hearing developed these facts: (1) The client’s property was in an area which had been approved for rezoning from residential to commercial use in a general revision of the local zoning map and ordinance that was in preparation. (2) Although specific COAVAR MAGAZINE
| 5
sections of the revisions, including the section involving the lot in question, had been tentatively approved, final approval had not been given to the complete revision at the time of the sale, but this action had been taken a few days following the sale. For several months prior to the sale there had been a public notice of the proposal to rezone affixed to a sign near one corner of the property. (3) In his one inspection of the property, REALTOR® A had not noticed the sign. (4) Other sales in the rezoned area substantiated the client’s belief that the shift to commercial zoning supported a value at approximately eight times the price received for the lot. REALTOR® A’s defense was that the ordinance putting the rezoning into effect had not been enacted at the date of his sale of the client’s property, and that he had no knowledge at the time of the rezoning proposal.
The Hearing Panel’s conclusion was that REALTOR® A had violated Article 1 and was definitely deficient in his professional obligations in this instance; that before suggesting a price to his client he should have checked the property carefully enough to have seen the notice concerning a proposal for rezoning; and that as a REALTOR® Active in the area he should have been aware of the extensive changes that were being proposed in his city’s zoning ordinance. Such knowledge was within his obligation under Article 1 to protect the best interests of his client. As always, I wish you much success in your business. Happy & Safe selling!
Dr. Dawn Kennedy
Professional Standards: A Deep Dive September is National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Safety Month. What does safety have to do with the Code of Ethics? More than you would think. Safety isn’t the absence of risk but the prevention and mitigation of risk. Article 1 has been called the “Honesty Article” but an important component of Article 1 is the REALTOR’S® obligation to promote and PROTECT the client’s best interests. Article 1: When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORS® 6 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
remain obligated to treat all parties honestly. (Amended 1/01).
Protection is put in place as a safety precaution, it is meant to prevent a negative or unsafe situation. In relation to Article 1, property managers also have the same obligation to protect the property or the tenants. Standard of Practice (SOP) 1-10 states: REALTORS® shall, consistent with the terms and conditions of their real estate licensure
and their property management agreement, competently manage the property of clients with due regard for the rights, safety and health of tenants and others lawfully on the premises. (Adopted 1/95, Amended 1/00). As has been reiterated many times in this column, case interpretations are official NAR policy and are to be used to in enforcement of the code. Following is the case interpretation for Article 1, SOP-10. All case interpretations are from actual hearings involving real agents and brokers. The case interpretation is as follows:
charging REALTOR® B with failure to protect and promote a client’s interests by leaving Client A’s property open to vandalism, and by not making appropriate efforts to obtain a buyer. REALTOR® B’s defense during the hearing was that his advertising of the property was evidence of his effort to sell it. He stated, without being specific, that leaving keys to vacant listed property in lockboxes and advising callers to inspect property on their own was a “common local practice.”
Case #1-7: Obligation to Protect Client’s Interests (Originally Case #7-8. Reaffirmed May, 1988. Transferred to Article 1 November, 1994. Revised November, 2001 and November, 2022.) Client A, a military officer, was transferred to a new duty assignment and listed his home for sale with REALTOR® B as the exclusive agent. He moved to his new assignment with the understanding that REALTOR® B, as the listing broker, would obtain a buyer as soon as possible. After six weeks, during which no word had come from REALTOR® B, the client made a weekend visit back to his former community to inspect his property. He learned that REALTOR® B had advertised the house: “Vacant — Owner transferred,” and found an “open” sign on the house but no representative present. Upon inquiry, Client A found that REALTOR® B never had a representative at the property but continually kept an “open” sign in the yard. Client A discovered that the key was kept in a combination lockbox, and when REALTOR® B received calls from potential purchasers about the property, he simply gave callers the address, advised that the key was in the lockbox, gave them the combination, and told them to look through the house by themselves and to call him back if they needed other information or wanted to make an offer.
The Hearing Panel concluded that REALTOR® B was in violation of Article 1 of the Code of Ethics because he had failed to act in a professional manner consistent with his obligations to protect and promote the interests of his client. REALTOR® B permitted and enabled buyers to access the property on terms other than authorized by the seller, as required by Standard of Practice 1-16.
Client A filed a complaint with the Association of REALTORS® detailing these facts, and COAVAR MAGAZINE
| 7
Prioritize Safety This September Reprinted with permission from Virginia REALTORS®
September serves as both REALTOR® Safety Month and National Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to review the practices and tools that help protect you, your clients, and your business. A great place to start is by checking out NAR’s Safety Resource Page featuring articles on the topic. Don’t forget to activate your complimentary FOREWARN account, available to all Virginia REALTORS® members. FOREWARN is a powerful resource that can help you make more informed decisions and enhance personal safety while conducting business. To help you stay informed, Virginia REALTORS® has gathered several REALTOR® safety resources from NAR: 56 REALTOR® Safety Tips NAR Safety Videos 30-Day Safety Plan Virginia REALTORS® has also highlighted several preparedness recommendations from Ready.gov and FEMA to help you get ready before an emergency happens. Consider sharing these reminders with your clients as well.
8 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
Know your risks. Take time to understand the disasters and hazards most likely to affect your area and learn what actions to take before, during, and after an emergency. Create a family emergency plan. Discuss how you will receive alerts, where you will meet if separated, evacuation routes, shelter options, and how you will communicate during an emergency. Build or update your emergency supply kit. Make sure you have essentials such as food, water, medications, important documents, flashlights, and supplies for pets or other household needs. Stay informed. Sign up for emergency alerts and identify reliable sources for weather and emergency information so you can react quickly when conditions change. Strengthen your support network. Talk with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues about how you can assist one another during an emergency, especially those who may need additional support. September is the month to ensure you have plans in place to stay safe AND prepared throughout the year.
The One Asset Every Agent Must Protect Let’s play a game. You receive a call from a prospect you’ve never met. They want to see a vacant property right away. What do you do? A. Meet them at the property after verifying their identity. B. Let someone know where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you’ll be back. C. Use a screening tool to learn more about the prospect before the appointment. D. All of the above.
proptech, is helping bridge what industry experts call the safety gap. New tools allow agents to verify identities, screen prospective clients, share their whereabouts, and quickly request help if they feel threatened. As highlighted in a recent NAR article, these technologies are transforming the way real estate professionals approach personal safety in the field.
The answer is obvious, right? Yet according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2024 Member Safety Residential Report, 40% of REALTORS® reported meeting a new or prospective client alone at a secluded location or property within the past year. The same report found that 22% experienced a situation that made them fear for their personal safety or the security of their personal information, most often during open houses, showings, or after threatening or inappropriate communications. Most real estate professionals know what they should do. The challenge is putting those practices into action when business gets busy. Safety often gets attention during September’s REALTOR® Safety Month, but the risks do not disappear when the calendar changes. Real estate remains one of the few professions where meeting strangers, entering vacant properties, working irregular hours, and sharing personal contact information are routine parts of the job. That is why safety should never be a once-a-year conversation. It should be part of every showing, every open house, and every client interaction. Fortunately, today’s agents have more resources available than ever before. A growing sector of property technology, or
Through membership in the Virginia Association of REALTORS®, agents and brokers receive complimentary access to FOREWARN, a safety application that helps agents verify identities, review criminal history information, and validate details provided by prospective clients using only a name or phone number. The platform provides realtime intelligence so REALTORS® can make more informed decisions before stepping into a showing appointment. Think about that for a moment. A tool that can help you better understand who you are meeting before you arrive at a property is not just a convenience. It is a business advantage and a personal safety resource. And for REALTORS®, it is included as part of membership. This is where the REALTOR® difference becomes clear. Many agents think of REALTOR® membership primarily in terms of the Code of Ethics, advocacy efforts, or professional development opportunities. Those benefits are certainly important. But membership also delivers practical resources designed to help you run C OH AR VA RR A MAGAZINE
| 9
a safer, smarter business. FOREWARN is one example. The REALTOR® Safety Program and its safety training, webinars, best practices, and member resources are others. Together, they provide layers of protection that can make a real difference in the field. The NAR report found that only 25% of REALTORS® were aware of the REALTOR® Safety Program, yet 66% of those who completed a REALTOR® safety course said they felt more prepared for unknown situations afterward. Many professionals may be overlooking resources already available through REALTOR® membership. That's a reminder for all of us to take full advantage of the benefits that come with being a REALTOR®. From safety training and best practices to tools like FOREWARN, REALTOR® membership provides resources
10 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
that help us work smarter, safer, and more confidently. Because success is not just about generating leads and closing transactions. It is also about protecting yourself while doing the work. Being a REALTOR® means belonging to an organization that advocates for your industry, invests in your professional growth, and provides tools that help keep you safe. That is not just a membership benefit. That is peace of mind. Drafted with AI assistance Sources 2024 Member Safety Residential Report Tackling the Safety Gap in Real Estate Showings| National Association of REALTORS® FOREWARN - Virginia REALTORS®
HAPPENING SOON AT CoaVAR
Click here to view all our upcoming events and educational opportunities!
COAVAR MAGAZINE
| 11
Deepfake Video Calls – Fraud of the Future Imagine closing a transaction, congratulating everyone involved, and seeing your commission deposited into your account, only to receive a call weeks later from the actual property owner saying they never agreed to sell the property. You didn’t ignore the risk. You got a copy of the ID. The emails didn’t seem phishy. You even had a video call that seemed convincing. How could this still be fraud? The closing may be over, but now the transaction, your commission, your brokerage, and your reputation are all being questioned. This is the next phase in the real estate fraud cycle. It isn’t just hackers breaking into systems anymore. With AI, fraudsters can change their voice and image in real time to impersonate potential clients. For years, many real estate scams were built around impersonation, forged documents, and people pretending to have authority they did not have. Often, those schemes required real-world risk by forcing the fraudster, or someone helping them, to appear in person at a settlement office or before a mobile notary. Then technology evolved, shifting the threat toward wire fraud, spoofed emails, phishing, and business email compromise that could all be done from behind a screen with far less personal risk. The industry adapted. Many settlement agents stopped wiring seller proceeds. Those that continued adopted stricter controls for obtaining wire instructions. Fraud warnings became standard. While the industry focused on these new risks, some of the old doors were left wide open. Now the cycle is changing again, coming full circle. The scam may look familiar, but the tools being used are far more sophisticated. When protecting a transaction, the defender must protect every doorway, window, and 12 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
Jeremy Williams Chief Information Officer Shaheen Law Firm, P.C.
weak spot. A fraudster only has to find one that was overlooked. In real estate transactions, those weak spots are not limited to email accounts and software systems. They also include identities, signatures, notaries, authority, and the people behind the paperwork. Technology can help protect these, but it can also make them harder to determine whether real or fake. Most real estate agents can compare handwritten signatures with ease. But would they know if an electronic signature, emailed ID, or video call was a fake? The document may have a signature, the ID may look legit, and the video may seem real, but how do you know who was actually on the other side of the screen?
This doesn’t mean that real estate agents need to become forensic experts. It means they need to stop treating a copy of an ID, an electronic signature, and even a video call as automatic proof. In all transactions, seller identity should be verified through a secure process. The message to the client should be that we do this for all sellers to protect them from someone impersonating them and selling their property. You do not need to fear technology. Instead, rely on the right technology for your situation and choose settlement partners who treat cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and client protection as core parts of their closing process.
HRRA MAGAZINE
| 13
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT Company Details Name: Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Territory: Hampton Roads and beyond Year Established: 2020 CoaVAR Affiliate Member Since: 2026
Contact Information w: www.anchorlegalgroup.com e: knelson@anchorlg.com p: 757-529-0000
Company Specialties Personal Injury, Corporate, Estate Planning, Litigation, Real Estate, Criminal, Domestic/Family, Traffic
Why we got into this business: Anchor Legal Group was founded with a desire to provide trusted, compassionate legal guidance to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations facing important life decisions and difficult circumstances. Why we joined CoaVAR: Supporting our local real estate industry is important to us, and we are honored to serve as a trusted legal resource for them and their clients. Why we love doing what we do: We value the opportunity to connect with local real estate professionals and provide reliable legal support for them and their clients. Our favorite satisfied customer story: We are grateful for every client who places their trust in us. Helping people protect what matters, navigate challenges, and move forward with clarity and confidence is what makes our work so meaningful. Favorite CoaVAR event: The Chili Cook-off of course! Most memorable CoavAR moment: Excited for lots of new memories to be made! Best piece of advice for REALTORS®: Communicate clearly, follow through consistently, and surround yourself with trusted professionals who can help your clients navigate challenges before they become problems. The one thing we want REALTORS® to know about our industry is: Legal guidance is most valuable before a problem arises. By connecting clients with a trusted attorney early, REALTORS® can help them avoid complications and move forward with greater confidence.
14 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
Life Changes, Legal Needs, and Lasting Client Relationships Most real estate professionals do not want to help a client with only one transaction. They want to become that client’s REALTOR® for life—the person they call when they are ready to buy, sell, invest, downsize, or refer a friend or family member. The challenge is staying connected after the closing without every interaction feeling like a sales pitch. One way to remain helpful and top of mind is to recognize that real estate decisions are often connected to larger life events. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, retirement, financial hardship, an accident, or a family dispute can all affect where and how someone lives.
Kim Nelson Director of Marketing & Assistant Office Manager Anchor Legal Group, PLLC
about how their assets should be owned and protected. A periodic message reminding past clients to review their estate plans after a major life change can provide real value without directly asking for business. REALTORS® may also hear from families who need to sell a home after the death of a loved one. These situations can be emotional and legally complicated. Questions may arise about probate, estate administration, ownership, or who has the legal authority to sign documents and make decisions for the estate. Connecting the family with an attorney early in the process may help clarify what must happen before the property can be listed or sold, potentially avoiding confusion and delays. Separation and divorce can also create real estate needs. One spouse may want to remain in the family home, the property may need to be sold, or both parties may have questions about ownership, refinancing, and the division of assets. These clients often need both legal and real estate guidance as they work through a difficult transition.
These moments create natural opportunities for Realtors to check in, provide support, and connect clients with trusted professionals when appropriate. For example, purchasing a home is often one of the largest financial decisions a person will make. It may also be a good time for clients to create or update a will, trust, power of attorney, or advance medical directive. Newly married couples, new parents, blended families, and clients purchasing investment property may have additional questions
Other unexpected changes can affect a client’s housing needs as well. An accident or serious injury may create mobility concerns, financial pressure, or the need for a more accessible home. A business dispute, landlord-tenant issue, contractor problem, or boundary disagreement may also require professional guidance beyond the Realtor’s role. REALTORS® already build networks that include lenders, inspectors, title professionals, contractors, insurance agents, and other service providers. A trusted multi-practice law COAVAR MAGAZINE
| 15
firm can be another valuable addition to that network. Having a relationship with a firm that handles several areas of law gives Realtors a reliable place to direct clients when legal needs arise— whether the concern involves an estate, family transition, injury, dispute, business matter, or another unexpected issue. This does not mean REALTORS® should try to identify every legal problem or recommend a particular outcome. It simply means recognizing when a client may benefit from speaking with an attorney and having a dependable resource available.
Staying in touch does not always require another postcard about buying or selling. It can be as simple as checking in after a major life event, sharing a helpful reminder, or asking whether a client needs a trusted professional connection. Just as REALTORS® hope to become their clients’ trusted real estate resource for life, clients also benefit from having attorneys and other professionals they can turn to when circumstances change. When REALTORS® stay connected in meaningful ways, they remain top of mind and reinforce the lasting value they bring to the clients they have served.
Voting for the 2027 CoaVAR Board of Directors is now open! REALTORS®, Cast your vote by September 24 at 8:00 a.m. The newly elected Board of Directors will be announced at the CoaVAR Annual Meeting on September 24.
EXTENDED! Committee applications for 2027 are open now through October 15. Serving on a committee is a great way to expand your network, develop leadership skills, and help shape the programs, services, and initiatives that support our members and industry. Click here to apply now! 16 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
COAVAR MAGAZINE
| 17
Can AI Make Real Estate Safer? The Future of Agent Safety with Niall Phelan Reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS® Real estate agents face risks that many consumers never see, from meeting strangers at showings to navigating remote properties alone. In this episode of Change Agents, NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson sits down with Niall Phelan, founder of Agent Buddi, to discuss why agent safety deserves more attention across the industry and how AI could help agents stay protected while improving client service.
18 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
Niall shares the four moments when agents face the greatest risks, explains why safety and productivity don't have to compete with each other, and discusses how technology can help agents verify leads, document showings, stay focused on the road, and build stronger client relationships. Click the link to tune in.
COAVAR MAGAZINE
| 19
REALTORS® IN ACTION REALTORS® vs Affiliates Kickball 2026, Past Presidents Luncheon, YPNCon, Breaking Barriers in Housing, Risk Prevention & Legal Insights Forum, Peninsula August Member Social, Affiliate Leadership Panel, NAR Leadership Summit, City of Newport News Speaker Series To view more recent photos, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/hrrarealtors.
20 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
Real Estate Wire Fraud Is Evolving: Is Your Brokerage Ready? By: Dina Cheney | Reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS® AI-driven impersonation makes scams more sophisticated. Brokers need stronger verification practices to protect transactions, clients and their businesses.
Here’s what NAR member brokers attending the no-cost session learned about how to strengthen transaction security, identify fraud risks and protect your brokerage and clients. How Real Estate Wire Fraud Works
If your company has been the target of a wire fraud scam in the past year, you aren’t alone. Cybercrime in real estate reached new heights last year, according to the 2025 editionpdf of the FBI’s annual IC3 report. There were more than 12,000 real estate– related complaints, with real estate losses totaling $275 million (up from about $174 million in 2024 and $145 million in 2023). Brokers attending the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest Broker Power Hour got some practical tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of real estate wire fraud attempts, in which bad actors attempt to divert funds from a real estate transaction into their own accounts. No one is immune, says Tyler Adams, cofounder and CEO of CertifID, who presented at the session. And AI has changed the game. “It’s given fraudsters the ability to execute attacks on a scale never seen before,” he says. He emphasized that client education early in the transaction on the potential for fraud is key to preventing it.
Most people today are familiar with the basics of a wire fraud scam. Fraudsters send phishing emails to real estate professionals, title and escrow companies, lawyers, lenders and consumers—anyone involved in a transaction. Through these lures, the criminals steal credentials or gain access to email via malware their targets unwittingly install. Would-be thieves learn about deals and upcoming transactions, including the contact information of involved parties. By monitoring conversations through malware or seeing property status change to “pending” on real estate websites, they know when money is about to move. That’s when they impersonate parties involved in the transaction, sending fraudulent instructions to redirect funds. If successful, they make off with earnest money, closing funds, commissions, down payments or seller or loan proceeds. Impersonation in a Nutshell Fraudsters have been known to forge IDs and property deeds and spoof phone numbers and email addresses. Now they also clone voices, thanks to generative AI tools. They upload short audio clips from the internet to an AI voice generator and supply dialogue using the text-to-speech feature. With VoIP services, they can route calls straight to voicemail (fraud is more obvious in live conversations).
COAVAR MAGAZINE
| 21
Seller Impersonation Scams Sometimes, fraudsters impersonate "sellers," often targeting lien-free vacant properties. They might hire a real estate agent to represent them or list properties for sale or rent at below-market prices. Scammers collect sale proceeds from unwitting buyers or deposits from buyers or renters. To spot this type of fraud, agents should follow the “twoflag rule,” Adams says. “If you see one of the following, slow down. If you see two or more, pause and verify identity.” Sellers are evasive and prefer remote interactions. Sellers request a cash closing. Sellers have a sense of urgency. “The longer they’re in the deal, the more likely they are to get caught, so they try to push everybody to get it done fast,” says Adams. Recovering Funds Once money leaves an account, act as promptly as possible, Adams urges. The FBI advises first calling your bank. Ask them to recall funds and alert the receiving institution. Adams says it’s more efficient to start with the receiving bank. Either way, “move incredibly quickly,” he says. “This is not a scenario where you can wait.” Also file a complaint with the FBI at ic3.gov. Your Action Plan Do the following to help guard against fraud: Instruct your IT or cybersecurity provider to assess your brokerage’s email security on a regular basis. Vet your closing partner’s security protocols by asking them these questions: How are they verifying seller identities and bank account ownership? How do they authenticate changes to wire instructions? How do they protect employee email? What’s their procedure when they discover a fraudulent wire? 22 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
Do they have cyber insurance or offer financial protection? Who and what does it cover? What is their role in fund recovery? Can they provide a wire-fraud policy in writing? Create a transaction compliance checklist for your team, including the following: During their first meeting, agents should educate clients about fraud risk. They should share red flags and safety tips, detail how communications and money transfers will occur, and include a pre-established contact method. Always verify, then trust, especially when it comes to wire instruction changes. Verify payee identity and account information, sellers and notaries. Ask for in-person meetings and request ownerspecific documentation. Email, text, voicemail or caller ID no longer suffice for verification. Also use the pre-established contact method (outside of the email thread), preferably calling the phone number on file. After sending funds, call the bank at the phone number on file to confirm receipt. Train your team about email security and fraud, reviewing the transaction compliance checklist. Adams offered to present additional webinars to brokerages and REALTOR® associations on real estate wire fraud (email him at tyler@certifid.com). Share CertifID’s State of Wire Fraud report. Real estate wire fraud is a cat-and-mouse game. Brokers have a responsibility to keep up on scammers’ schemes and share information with their teams and clients. Access more resources for brokers.
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT Company Details Name: Peace, Love, and Little Donuts Territory: Virginia Beach located Year Established: 2021 CoaVAR Affiliate Member Since: 2026
Contact Information w: www.peaceloveandlittledonuts.com e: plldvabeach@gmail.com p: 757-301-3564
Company Specialties Donuts and Coffee
Why we got into this business: We decided to open Peace, Love, and Little Donuts in Virginia Beach for several reasons. After my husband retired from the Army following 30 years of service, we were looking for something we could do together as a family. My cousin opened a location in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March 2020, just before COVID-19, and it performed very well. As first-time business owners, we felt this franchise would be a great way to learn while becoming active members of our community. During the first few years, my husband, daughter, and son ran the business together while I worked weekends and managed the finances. It was a wonderful opportunity for my husband to spend quality time with our adult children, especially since his military career kept him away from home for much of their childhood. This business has given us a way to give back to our community and volunteer at events we might not have otherwise known about. We also wanted to operate a business that brings people joy. After all, who can stay upset while eating a donut? Why we joined CoaVAR: I met the lovely Misty Pritchett at a nonprofit event, and she invited me to attend the CoaVAR monthly affiliate meeting. It was great to meet so many different affiliates and REALTORS® in the Hampton Roads area. I wanted to find an avenue to meet new people in the community and become more involved, whether it was personally volunteering or using my donut shop as a platform to help others. CoaVAR is also a great organization to showcase the donut shop. Why we love doing what we do: We love what we do because we are finally a part of a community that we do not have to move from. Some of our customers have become friends, and it is great to run into someone you know at the grocery store. Even though we have not moved a bunch in the 30 years my husband was in the military, you still could
not get comfortable where you lived. We could not have picked a better community to call home. And who does not like donuts?? If customers come in without a smile on their face, they definitely leave with one. We love to see people smile, and they love the great music we play in the store. So it is never surprising when someone has a flashback in time and starts singing or dancing to our 70's themed music. Our favorite satisfied customer story: It's hard to choose just one story because we have so many wonderful families who visit the donut shop. What stands out most is how loyal our customers are. We have regulars who stop by every day for coffee or every week for donuts. There are even customers whose orders we know before they reach the counter. Those families make the difficult days brighter. They've connected with us, and they believe in the products we sell. We especially love when local families bring visiting relatives to the shop to try our donuts. A satisfied customer reassures us that we're doing a great job serving our community and delivering a quality product. Most memorable CoaVAR moment: My most memorable CoaVAR moments are the monthly meetings where I bring donuts and get to see everyone smile. I also enjoy learning about upcoming CoaVAR events and hearing feedback from members who have attended them. Best piece of advice for REALTORS®: Always be kind and offer small tokens of appreciation when you can. Over the years, I've learned that removing emotion from difficult situations often leads to better outcomes. People are under tremendous pressure and stress, and if you have the opportunity to make life a little easier for someone, do it. The one thing we want REALTORS® to know about our industry is: Our donuts make the perfect gift or open-house treat. We offer boxes of 2, 6, 12, and 36 donuts, with more than 60 toppings to choose from. They're about the size of a roller skate wheel and look incredible when presented in a box. We have several REALTORS® who stop by for their "lucky donuts" before an open house, while others purchase multiple half-dozen boxes as client appreciation gifts. Our donuts are a fun, memorable way to make a lasting impression. COAVAR MAGAZINE | 23
HOA Surveillance Cameras May Raise New Questions for Home Buyers By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey | Reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS® License plate reader cameras are being used in more neighborhoods and are sometimes touted as an amenity. But not every buyer sees them as a selling point.
too. In Brentwood, Calif., for example, the city is seeking to revoke a permit for an HOAcontrolled Flock system after residents complained about private surveillance on public streets in their neighborhood. Compounding the issue, HOA governing documents often fail to address the technology, says Mike Schwab, CEO of Association Online, a company that aims to bring greater transparency to HOA transactions. Schwab’s company is part of the 2026 cohort of the National Association of REALTORS®’ REACH program.
More HOA-governed communities are beefing up neighborhood security with cameras, including automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology and Flock Safety systems. As the use of such surveillance technology grows, real estate professionals are finding themselves fielding more questions from buyers. The issue recently surfaced in a Reddit discussion, where an agent said a buyer canceled a showing after learning that the HOA had Flock cameras at both entrances, including one near the community pool. Other agents said the issue has prompted them to consider adding questions to their buyer consultations about clients’ comfort levels with HOAs that use such technology. The cameras capture license plate photos and monitor vehicles that travel through the community, possibly raising a new question to prospective home buyers: Is neighborhood surveillance a security amenity or a privacy concern? Existing homeowners have raised concerns, 24 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
“This has become a new issue,” Schwab says. “But the [HOA] documents are silent on them." That can make it difficult for prospective home buyers and their real estate agents to know whether a community uses surveillance technology, what its policies are and what happens to the data. “There is no precedent that says the HOA has to disclose this or not,” Schwab says. In many cases, the only way to find out is to ask the HOA directly. That’s the type of information Association Online is asking about so that agents and their buyers can have a clearer picture of this and other rules within the HOA before they commit to a property. After all, vehicle surveillance may only be the beginning, Schwab says. HOAs also are starting to adopt AI-powered tools to monitor communities and identify potential rule violations. Among ALPR systems, Flock Safety cameras have emerged as a major player in the field and are specifically marketed to HOAs. The company says its cameras can help enhance
neighborhood security and even assist police investigations, with the goal of reducing crimes such as “mail and package theft,” home invasions, vandalism, trespassing and burglary. According to the Flock website, its software does not analyze facial features but focuses on license plates and other vehicle attributes. HOAs can ultimately decide whether to share captured data or keep it private. Flock says its hardware is installed in more than 6,000 communities nationwide.
For Greg Field, a real estate professional with HomeSmart in Phoenix, the divide often comes down to the type of buyer. “Flock cameras and automatic license plate readers are like the new wrought-iron gates in Scottsdale, Peoria and Gilbert master-planned communities,” Field says about his market. “Snowbirds and retirees love them. With a Flock reader, you will have 24/7 security for the buyer who leaves for four months in each summer season.”
What Real Estate Pros Are Experiencing In some communities, license plate readers are being marketed as a neighborhood security amenity, much like gates, guards or neighborhood patrols, says Matt Brown, a broker associate at William Raveis Real Estate in Naples, Fla. In his market, Brown says, gated and golf communities are using the systems at entrance gates as a selling feature for homeowners looking for additional security. He says he has never had a homeowner decide against buying a property because an ALPR system was installed at the entrance. “In fact, many buyers in gated communities today expect some form of electronic surveillance when purchasing a property in those types of developments,” he says. Matthew Scarborough, team leader of Keller Williams’ Scarborough Realty Group in Santa Fe, N.M., says the topic is coming up much more frequently in gated and HOA-governed communities. “Buyers touring properties in gated or HOAmanaged communities sometimes ask directly whether entry or exit is tracked, and some appreciate the added security, while others may find it intrusive,” Scarborough says. “It’s rarely a dealbreaker, but it does come up in the conversation more than it did even two years ago."
But Field says he's noticed privacy-conscious and younger buyers often have a very different reaction. “Once they see [the camera] mounted on the median pole, they begin asking a lot of questions,” he says. “Who owns the footage? How long does it stay on the storage of HOA? Does a rogue HOA president track when my contractor comes and goes or when my teenager returns from the school?” Field says he has seen buyers remove certain subdivisions from their shortlist because they didn't want their license plates being captured as they entered and exited the community. For buyers concerned about surveillance, Alexei Morgado, a Florida real estate pro and founder of the real estate education company Lexawise, says those considering a community with Flock Safety cameras could ask whether the HOA has enabled Flock’s Safe List. The feature allows residents to register COAVAR MAGAZINE | 25
their vehicles and opt out of having footage of those vehicles retained in the community’s system. Flock notes, however, that opting out in one community does not prevent the vehicle from being detected by other Flock cameras elsewhere. AI Could Take HOA Surveillance Further The surveillance technology being used by HOAs is starting to move beyond cameras that simply capture vehicles entering and leaving a community. AI-powered systems can monitor properties, identify potential covenant violations and even automate enforcement. Schwab says some HOAs are beginning to pair surveillance cameras with AI to flag issues such as overgrown grass, trash cans left out past a designated time or other potential violations. Violation notices can be generated automatically as soon as they’re detected.
The appeal for HOAs is obvious: They no longer have to rely on residents or property managers to spot violations. Automated systems can flag potential problems for review. But Schwab says the growing use of these technologies reinforces the need for HOAs to establish clear policies, including rules surrounding what information is collected, how long it’s retained and who has access to it. Rather than adding surveillance systems without clear guidelines—which Schwab says is increasingly happening— the HOA should put policies before its residents for a vote, he says. As this technology evolves, home buyers likely will have even more questions, he says. “This is information we hope to bring more forward in a real estate transaction,” he adds, so that prospective buyers can make the best decision about whether that’s the neighborhood for them.
GIVEAWAY NRDS ID #842096885, you’ve won this quarter’s giveaway! Email editors@hrra.com to claim your prize.
26 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
COAVAR MAGAZINE | 27
Log into the MyHRRA Membership Portal to sign up!
Continuing Education Contract Pitfalls October 6, November 3, December 1 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, $35
Real Estate Pitfalls October 6, November 3, December 1 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, $35
8 Hour Required Topics September 22, October 15, November 12, December 8 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, $65
Broker Education Broker Real Estate Law October 19 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $370
Broker Management 8 HR October 27 8:30 AM–5:30 PM, $60
Broker Real Estate Finance November 16 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $370
Brokerage December 14 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, $370
Designations & Certifications SRES: Senior Real Estate Specialist October 27-28 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, $229 (through September 15) 28 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
Welcome, New Members! Abigail Baker - BHHS RW Towne - Crossways Aisa Manguda - Own Real Estate LLC Alena Anderson - BHHS RW Towne - Lynnhaven Alena Bratsiankova - Coast to Coast Real Estate, Inc. Alicia Midey - Atlantic Sotheby's International Allison Young - Siebert Realty Andrea Erroa Rodriguez - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk Andrenique Tibbs - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia Andrew Jones - BHHS RW Towne - Harbour View Anesha Nesbitt - eXp Realty Brian Strout - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Briana Mitchell - Garrett Realty Partners Chanelle Pope - AMW Real Estate Christine Odenwald - Dalton Wade Inc. Christopher Williams - EXP Realty-Diligence Christlynn McCloud - Swell Real Estate Co. Christy Fairchild - LPT Realty, LLC Crystal Innes - BHHS RW Towne - Great Bridge Crystal Colohan - Dalton Wade Inc. Cullen Hudgins - LPT Realty, LLC Dametrice Goodwyn - Summit Realty Group LLC Damon Hunt - Century 21 Nachman Realty Debra Digges - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Denise Fruik - Redfin Corporation Dennis Trapp - Century 21 Nachman Realty Devin Sidbury - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk Dianne Gordonn - BHHS RW Towne Property Management Ebony Nickens - Coldwell Banker Premier Erica Elliott - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia Ernesto Gutierrez - Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Federico Ciolfi - The Bryant Group Gabrielle Hall - Pointe East Realty Inc. Gaurav Patel - Garrett Realty Partners Grace Pittenger - LPT Realty, LLC Gregory Devaldes - BHHS RW Towne - Beach Iriel Otero - MR Rivera Realty Group J Swift - EXP Realty-Diligence Jame Craft - Redfin Corporation Jack Kotarides - Garrett Realty Partners Jamel Connor - Atlantic Sotheby's International
James Grace - LPT Realty, LLC Jeffery DePriest - Aweigh Real Estate Jeffrey Wheat - RE/MAX Prime Jennifer Somohano - Realty of America, LLC Jennifer Vallerius - AMW Real Estate Jennifer Filkins - Real Broker, LLC Jennifer Ringwald - Latitude Realty Co. Jessica Jackson - Long & Foster Oceanfront/Coastal Jordan Midey - Atlantic Sotheby's International Julie Hoven - RE/MAX Prime Kaitlyn Duffney - The Real Estate Group Kanika Allen - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk Karah Fitchett - eXp Realty LLC-VB Karen Walter - RE/MAX Elevate Katherine Harding - Own Real Estate LLC Katherine Bounds - Real Broker, LLC Kevan Foote - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk Keyantae Westbrook - Judy Boone Realty Kionta Lyons - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia Kira Strout - Century 21 Nachman Realty Lakenya Askew - Century 21 Nachman Realty Lamar Greene - Own Real Estate LLC Laura Rynkiewicz - Vylla Home Laura Lamb - The Real Estate Group Leander Bryant - eXp Realty LLC-VB LeAnn Aylward - Siebert Realty Leonard Quenzler - Own Real Estate LLC Lisa Vaughn - eXp Realty LLC-VB London Enscore - Real Broker, LLC Mack Lancaster - LPT Realty LLC Marcus Wever - Own Real Estate LLC Marla Brown - The Real Estate Group Martina Allen - Verian Realty LLC Matthew Walsh - LPT Realty LLC Meagan Herigstad - Real Broker, LLC Melanie Rutledge - Thrive Realty Melissa Mendoza - LPT Realty, LLC Melissa Costas - Aweigh Real Estate Meredith Swain - Real Broker, LLC Michael Durant - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Natalie Greene - Iron Valley Real Estate Virginia Natalie Yost - Atlantic Sotheby's International
COAVAR MAGAZINE | 29
Nishka Ramchandani - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk Paul Jones - Creed Realty Quintel Austin - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia Reagan Davis - BHHS RW Towne - Great Bridge Rebekah Powell - Pyle Realty, Inc. Reece Barkley - Thrive Realty Ricky Ellerbe - Aweigh Real Estate Robert Cunningham - Thrive Realty Rubin Chery - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia Ryan Hampton - The Real Estate Group Samuel Liu - BHHS RW Towne - Lynnhaven Sariha Sykes - eXp Realty LLC-VB Scott Maynor - EXP Realty-Diligence Sigbert Bynoe - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia Sophia Niles - Redfin Corporation Stanley Stephenson - LPT Realty LLC Stephanie Fountain - Own Real Estate LLC Steve Mutrie - Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Steven Fout - Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Sylvester Jackson - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Tiffany Gates - BHHS RW Towne - Norfolk Timothy Torres - Iron Valley Real Estate Virginia Trenton Hennis - Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk Twalla Greene - Keller Williams Coastal Virginia Valencia Golden - Atlantic Sotheby's International Walter Clifton - ERA Real Estate Professionals Williams Locke - Fathom Realty Yelisa Villegas - Iron Valley Real Estate Virginia Y-Rolan Nie - Atlantic Sotheby's International Zachary Lightfoot - Upton Realty
New Secondary Designated REALTOR® Kevin - Gioia - Dalton Wade Inc.
New Secondary REALTOR® Chakakan Jackson - LPT Realty LLC Dilek Yunt - LPT Realty LLC Lee Ann Schadlich - World Class Realty & Associates REALTORS® Magdalena Stodghill - Swell Real Estate Co. Sakieya Royster - Creed Realty Samara Dinnius - Shipmate Real Estate + JPAR
LET’S EDUCATE THE PUBLIC TOGETHER! Promote our public facing website www.buysellorleasehr.com on your own social media— let’s educate the public together!
30 | COAVAR MAGAZINE
2026 COAVAR PARTNERS PLATINUM
SILVER
BRONZE
COPPER
AMBASSADOR
COAVAR MAGAZINE | 31
UPCOMING OFFICE CLOSURES Monday, October 12 - Federal Holiday Wednesday, November 11 - Veterans Day Thursday, November 26 - Friday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Thursday, December 24 - Friday, December 25 - Christmas Thursday, December 31 - Closing at 1 p.m. for New Year’s Eve Friday, January 1 - New Year’s Day 2027