Sasha Farmer Honored in REALTOR® Magazine’s 2012 Class of 30 Under 30
CAAR, the voice of real estate in the Central Virginia region, today announced that REALTOR® member of Montague Miller & Company Sasha Farmer, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRS, e-Pro, has been recognized in the 2012 Class “30 Under 30” by REALTOR® Magazine. This highly regarded industry honor places Farmer among the esteemed group of inductees this year and 390 of the country’s rising young stars in the real estate industry over the past 12 years of the program.
“We are extraordinarily proud of Sasha and all her accomplishments in such a short amount of time,” Brad Conner, GRI, ABR, SFR, CAAR president and associate broker at Montague Miller & Company, said. “I admire the enthusiasm and energy she puts toward real estate, and life in general, each day. She’s a great asset to any team, especially CAAR.”
Farmer became a licensed agent and joined CAAR in 2007, and she approached the housing market decline with an entrepreneurial spirit and saw her business thrive as a result. She quickly adopted a serious work ethic including setting consistent hours, carefully tracking expenses and leads, incorporating a varied mix of technologies and hiring an assistant. Farmer earned six professional designations in as many years and has mastered balancing real estate duties with community service projects—saving 30 percent of her net income and donating 5 percent to charity each year.
“There is great peace of mind in running a stable, consistent business,” Farmer said. “As REALTORS®, our livelihood depends on our local communities being strong and vibrant places to live, work and play. There are few things more rewarding than helping settle new friends and clients into their new town knowing that they are going to absolutely love living there.”
A graduate of the University of Virginia, Farmer is widely respected by fellow CAAR members and the public alike, earning CAAR Rookie of the Year Award in her first year; 2008-2011 CAAR Professional Honor Society; 2012 CAAR Sales Associate of the Year; 2010 Virginia Association of REALTORS® Virginia Leadership Academy; C-ville Weekly’s Best of C-Ville- Best REALTOR® and Runner Up 2010, 2011; 2009-2012 Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador; and Charlottesville Woman Magazine’s inaugural 4 Women Under 40 Award in 2011. At CAAR, Farmer has served on master groups, or committees, ranging from technology and MLS to professional development and strategic planning. Most recently she started CAAR’s Young Professionals Network as a way to engage young professionals who want to share best practices. Farmer’s involvement in the community speaks volumes as well, devoting many hours to Computers4Kids, Charlottesville/Albemarle SPCA, Junior League of Charlottesville, City of Charlottesville Housing Advisory Council, United Way, Habitat for Humanity and Chamber of Commerce Leadership Charlottesville program.
Each year, REALTOR® Magazine staff selects 50 finalists from a wide candidate pool representing broker-owners/managers and salespeople from all sectors of the market. Candidates are evaluated on their success in the real estate business as well as skill, creativity and leadership in their careers. This year’s honorees are featured in the magazine’s May/June issue.
“What amazes me the most about this year’s class is how they recognize there is no one formula for winning in real estate,” Moe Veissi, National Association of REALTORS® president and broker-owner of Miami-based Veissi & Associates Inc.
“They have discovered success their own way and display the dedication and hardworking spirit all REALTORS® possess. REALTORS® are constantly evolving with the market, and it’s important to recognize these young people and learn from them, as they are the future of the real estate profession.”
CAAR Members: More than Trusted Housing Experts—Community Volunteers, Too!
The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® (CAAR), the voice of real estate in the Central Virginia region, recently announced survey results declaring wide member involvement in community service projects. Of the 99 brokers, agents and affiliates who responded, 94 percent said they volunteer in the community. Those who volunteer spend an average of five hours per week on efforts related to children/schools (44 percent); religious/place of worship (37 percent); and community activism (29 percent). There was a three-way tie for outreach efforts related to housing, seniors and social issues (24 percent).
“CAAR members care about more causes than just housing,” Tammy Wilt, of New American Mortgage and chair of CAAR Communications Group, said. “From coaching youth soccer and helping the Blue Ridge Food Bank to serving on a volunteer fire company and running a 5K to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, the real estate community contributes in numerous ways to the wellbeing of our municipalities and our neighbors who live there.”
The 99 survey participants represent nearly 10 percent of CAAR’s membership; the survey was conducted electronically March 12 – 16, 2012.
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