News & Views
Real Estate-Related News & Events
Cynthia Viejo Completes Customer Service Referral-Building Course for the Residential Specialist
(Charlottesville, VA)—Cynthia Viejo has just completed a highly specialized course in customer service referral-based business conducted by the Council of Residential Specialists of the National Association of REALTORS®.
This course is one in a series of professional education sequences required to qualify for the coveted Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation.
The course covered the implementation of specific ideas to add value to and ensure the delivery of exceptional customer service, both during and after the buying and/or selling of a home.
During the two-day course, students were subject to hands-on development of plans and programs designed to ensure the professionalism of the residential sales associate.
“There are many new unique and compelling strategies for enhancing the customer’s experience,” said Viejo, “and I have already begun to apply the strategies covered during this course in my work at Montague Miller & Company REALTORS®. Even with 30 years of experience in the real estate business, participating in such classes helps to keep my skills honed to meet today’s challenges.”
The Council of Residential Specialists courses are presented throughout the U.S. in affiliation with the National Association of REALTORS®, as part of its ongoing program of promoting the professionalism of the residential sales associate.
Nest Realty Establishes Tom’s Garden
(Charlottesville, VA)--Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville's most famous gardener, wrote that "[Agriculture] is at the same time the most tranquil, healthy, and independent occupation." Using Jefferson as an inspiration, Nest Realty Group has developed Tom’s Garden, a project to promote community gardening in the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the surrounding communities. Tom’s Garden makes grants available for “seed” money for community gardens.
The program will consider grant applications from any group of private individuals, homeowner's associations, private, public and non-profit organizations, schools--just about anybody who has or hopes to start a community garden in Charlottesville, Albemarle, or the neighboring region.
Those who are approved for funding are asked to use their gardens occasionally for an educational purpose and to donate produce from their garden to the hungry at least once during each growing season.
The Web site, www.tomsgarden.org, provides information and resources on community gardens, and a downloadable grant application form.
Nest Realty is a full-service, boutique real estate brokerage firm specializing in residential and luxury properties throughout Charlottesville and Central Virginia. Their primary mission is to combine top agents, cutting-edge technology, and a new way of doing business to better serve customers. Tom’s Garden is a part of Nest Realty Group’s commitment to the community, interest in the local food movement and ecology, and conviction that community gardens enhance quality of life.
Community Events of Note
Monticello Tours and Events Will Focus on African-American Contributions and Culture
(Charlottesville, VA)–The many contributions made by the men, women, and children who were enslaved at Monticello will be acknowledged during Black History Month with two themed tours, a children’s workshop, and a lecture/performance.
“While the African-American experience is part of our interpretation every day, in February we place a special emphasis on the work lives and family ties of the enslaved community,” said Leni Sorensen, Monticello’s African-American research historian. “These people filled absolutely essential roles in the daily life and various enterprises on the plantation, and what they did deserves to be highlighted.”
One of the month’s themed tours will take place in the house and cover the experiences of the slaves who served Thomas Jefferson’s household. The guided “Answering the Bell: Working in the House at Monticello” tours will begin at noon and 2 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in February and on President’s Day (Monday, Feb. 15). Visitors can register for these tours, which are included in the price of admission, at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center upon arrival at Monticello.
The other Black History Month tour offering is an exploration of Mulberry Row, the center of African-American life at Monticello. The guided Plantation Community Tours, which focus on the people who lived and labored on the plantation, will start at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the month and on Presidents Day. The tours will start at the east end (paved area) of Mulberry Row and are included in the price of admission.
On Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, Monticello’s archaeology lab will open its doors to children in grades 4 through 7 accompanied by an adult for a free, hands-on workshop that explores slave artifacts unearthed at Monticello. Reservations are required for the Archaeology Workshop for Children and can be made by calling (434) 984-9880.
On Thursday, Feb. 11, music historian, recording artist, and interpreter of African-American spirituals Calvin Earl will appear at Monticello’s Jefferson Library. The free lecture/performance by Earl will begin at 4 p.m.
Earl’s appearance will be the first event in the Celebrate Black History at Monticello 2010 series. Other events in the program, designed to recognize African-American culture and contributions, will be held throughout the year.
Report Cites Virginia National Bank as Fastest-Growing Bank in Charlottesville Area
(Charlottesville, VA)--FDIC deposit market share analysis report * shows that Virginia National Bank (VNB) is the fastest-growing bank in the Charlottesville area. VNB increased its market share by 2.13% while four other top competitors lost market share for a combined total of -4.57%. The report covers the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, and Nelson Counties.
“As we all know, the past year was a challenging one for banks across the country,” notes Glenn Rust, CEO and President of Virginia National Bank. “During these volatile economic times, VNB continues to make decisions that reflect our core values and disciplined practices while moving forward with planned innovative services for our customers.”
Rust cites several important implementations that were strategically designed to increase the bank’s market share over the past year. VNB launched over 45 new banking services and continued to actively lend to businesses and individuals in the community. In addition, the bank avoided any layoffs in order to maintain their unparalleled customer service and did not award bonuses to executive management. Virginia National Bank was also able to continue its six-figure charitable contributions to the Charlottesville area community, part of their original vision as a true community bank.
*based on 2009 FDIC Deposit Market Share Report, Charlottesville MSA.
