WEST SPRINGFIELD — An informative seminar, “Unlock the Potential of Your Property with ADUs,” will be held on Tuesday, June 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lattitude Restaurant, located at 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The event is hosted by the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley.

The seminar will focus on how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can fit into one’s future plans, generate rental income, and provide flexible living space. Topics include zoning regulations, financing options, and design considerations. Expert presenters include attorney Christine Webster, Rana Morton of Goosehead Insurance, Tim Riley of Back Yard ADUs, and Oneida Fuentes of MassHousing.

The seminar is open to the public but limited to 100 attendees. Complimentary appetizers will be served. The event is sponsored by Country Bank and PeoplesBank.

To register, RAPV members can sign up online at rapv.com/membership/member-portal. Non-members can contact Laura Herring at [email protected] or (413) 785-1328.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Beginning May 18, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will offer a live, 40-hour, 16-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on June 24. Tuition costs $425 and includes books and materials.

The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more.

Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the association office, 225 Park Ave., West Springfield. Applications will be accepted until May 11. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura at (413) 785-1328, ext. 5, or [email protected].

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley invites the community to a free Community Shred & Share Day on Friday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its new office located at 225 Park Ave., West Springfield.

To celebrate its recent relocation to West Springfield, the association’s community service committee is hosting this rain-or-shine event to provide residents with a convenient and secure way to dispose of sensitive documents while supporting a meaningful local cause.

Attendees are encouraged to bring old personal documents for secure, on-site shredding, helping protect against identity theft. In the spirit of giving back, attendees are also invited to donate non-perishable food items or other essentials to benefit Parish Cupboard, which supports local families in need.

“This event is a great way for us to connect with our new neighbors while providing a valuable service and supporting the community,” said Mandy Sherman, Membership and Events coordinator. “We’re excited to welcome residents, help them declutter safely, and make a positive impact together.”

The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) celebrated the outstanding achievements of its members at its annual Excellence Awards Gala, held Feb. 12 at Wyckoff Country Club.

At the gala, RAPV celebrated members’ achievements, dedication to professionalism, and community engagement throughout 2025. The event featured Excellence Awards for Production and Participation, as well as recognition of membership milestones and Rising Star Awards. Additionally, two new awards were introduced — the Good Neighbor Award and the RAPV Hall of Fame — alongside the prestigious Realtor of the Year and Affiliate of the Year honors.

The Gala’s highest honors were presented to: Carrie Blair of Keller Williams Pioneer Valley, 2025 Realtor of the Year; and Margaret Bulatewicz of Liberty Bank, 2025 Affiliate of the Year.

The Realtor of the Year Award is the highest honor RAPV bestows on a member, recognizing exceptional contributions in three key areas: active association involvement, outstanding community service beyond the organization, and excellence in professional practice. It celebrates those who lead, give back, and inspire.

Since 2009, Blair has been an active RAPV member, contributing to the finance, RAPV Spring Conference, and professional development committees. She became a director on the RAPV board in 2023, providing leadership and guidance to the organization. Her support of fellow Realtors and mentorship of peers demonstrates her dedication to the industry and community, making her a valuable asset to the real estate profession.

The Affiliate of the Year Award acknowledges exceptional participation, community service, and professional excellence within the association.

Bulatewicz embodies these qualities, actively serving on the community service committee and donating to charitable causes. Her generous spirit extends beyond RAPV; she volunteers at the Ludlow Senior Center and supports the local nonprofit For the Love of Good Foundation, demonstrating a deep commitment to improving her community.

The evening also honored exceptional members with the newly introduced Good Neighbor Award, recognizing outstanding dedication to community service. This year’s recipient is Jennifer Tetreault of BHHS Realty Professionals.

The RAPV Hall of Fame honors individuals whose careers and contributions have left a lasting legacy on the association and the real estate industry in the Pioneer Valley. This year’s inductees are Peter Davies (posthumously), Dorothy “Dot” Lortie of Landmark Realtors and Dot Lortie Realty, and Don Thompson of NextHome Elite Realty.

Finally, the 2025 Rising Stars are Brody Trott and Diane Vadnais, both of RE/MAX Connections.

“The Excellence Awards Gala is more than a celebration — it reflects the professionalism, leadership, and community that define our membership,” RAPV President Judy Nevarez said. “We’re proud to recognize the dedication and achievements of members who continue to move our industry forward.”

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Beginning March 2, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) will offer a live, in-class, 40-hour, 16-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on April 6. Tuition is $425 and includes books and materials.

The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the RAPV office, 225 Park St., West Springfield.

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 20. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328, ext. 5, or [email protected].

Judy Nevarez

SPRINGFIELD — Judy Nevarez was officially installed as the 2026 president of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,800 real estate professionals throughout Western Mass.

The installation took place during RAPV’s annual Holiday celebration, which featured the association’s 110th installation of officers and directors. The event was held on Dec. 11 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

Nevarez has more than 22 years of experience as a Realtor and is licensed in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. She is highly active in the community, serving on the board of directors for Western Massachusetts CYO and as a co-founder and advisory board member of Save Our Youth Inc.

In 2025, Nevarez was recognized by the National Assoc. of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) as one of the Top 250 Latino Agents nationwide and ranked among the Top 100 Latino Agents in the Northeast. Within RAPV, she has served on the board of directors since 2023 and has been an active member of several committees, including scholarship, professional development, and finance.

The following individuals were installed as 2026 RAPV officers: Nikki Serafino, Keller Williams Realty, president-elect; Don Thompson, NextHome Elite Realty, treasurer; and Sue Drumm, Coldwell Banker Realty, immediate past president.

The 2026 Board of Directors includes Carrie Blair (Keller Williams Realty), Quincy Clayton (NextHome Elite Realty), Kelly Page (Trademark Real Estate), Greg Dibrindisi (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals), Brian Fitzgerald (Coldwell Banker Realty), Art Ferrara (Landmark Realtors), Kathleen Norton (William Raveis Real Estate), Chad Lynch (NextHome Elite Realty), and Vinny Walsh (Coldwell Banker Realty – Western MA).

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, Oct. 6, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40 hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Tuition costs $425 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) announced that its community service committee will host a free community shred event on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the RAPV parking lot, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield.

This event is free and open to the public. Secure, on-site document shredding services will be provided by FileShred, offering community members a safe and convenient way to dispose of sensitive documents while supporting a good cause, as Second Chance Animal Services will be on-site to share information about its mission and accept donations to support its efforts.

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, March 3, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40 hour, 14-class, in-person sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Thursday, April 3.

Tuition is $425, including the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) announced its annual award winners at the association’s Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 12 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The 2024 award winners are Peter Ruffini of RE/MAX Connections, Realtor of the Year; and Kristin Gravanis of Westfield Bank, Affiliate of the Year.

The Realtor of the Year award is the highest recognition the association can bestow on a Realtor member. It is given to a member based on association activity, community activity outside the association, and business activity.

A Realtor since 1996, Ruffini serves as president of the RAPV board of directors in 2024. He has also served on the government affairs, strategic planning, bylaws and policy, and professional standards committees, and he continues to serve on the RAPV board of directors. He has given back to the community by supporting local charitable events, and serves as the chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. He also actively serves on several committees at both the state and national levels, demonstrating commitment to advancing the RAPV profession and supporting its members. He holds 11 professional designations and certifications.

The Affiliate of the Year award is the highest recognition the association can bestow on an affiliate member. It is given based on affiliate membership activities related to the association, community service in activities outside the association, and business activity.

A member of RAPV since 2007, Gravanis has served on the community service committee. She has supported the association through community outreach and volunteered in RAPV’s community-service efforts through fundraising and helping and preparing meals at the Friends of the Homeless volunteer program.

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Sept. 16, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class, sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Oct. 17. Tuition is $425 and includes the book and materials.

The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real-estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield.

For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning June 3, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40 hour, 14-class, sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on July 11.

Tuition costs $425 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, March 4, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40-hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Thursday, April 4.

Tuition is $425, including the book and materials. For an application, call (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Ruffini was installed as the 2024 president of the Realtor Assooc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association with more than 1,800 members. The 108th annual installation of officers and directors was held on Jan. 11 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow.

A Realtor since 1996, Ruffini is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Connections and has made a long-term commitment to RAPV and the Realtor family. Since 2021, he has served on the local board of directors at RAPV, including as secretary in 2022 and treasurer in 2023. He is involved in several committees at the association, including the government affairs, mediator & ombudsman, professional standards, bylaws & policy task force, and finance. The RAPV named him Realtor of the Year in 2015 and 2021.

Ruffini served as president of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors (MAR) in 2014. In addition to serving in leadership, he has been a member of the MAR board of directors since 2006. He received the MAR Private Property Rights Award in 2019 and the MAR Milton H. Shaw Distinguished Service Award in 2020. He also currently serves as chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons and holds 11 professional designations and certifications.

The following individuals were installed as 2024 officers: Sue Drumm of Coldwell Banker Realty as president-elect, Brenda Cuoco of Brenda Cuoco & Associates Real Estate Brokerage as treasurer, and Lori Beth Betterton of LAER Realty Partners as immediate past president. Directors include Carrie Blair of Keller Williams Realty, Shawn Bowman of Trademark Real Estate, Janise Fitzpatrick of Jones Group Realtors, Judy Nevarez of BHH Realty Professionals, Kelly Page of Trademark Real Estate, Erica Swallow of Coldwell Banker Realty – Western MA, Jennifer Tetreault of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals, Don Thompson of NextHome Elite Realty, and Vinny Walsh of Coldwell Banker Realty – Western MA.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) announced its annual award winners at the association’s holiday luncheon on Dec. 14 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The Realtor of the Year Award was given to Vincent Walsh of Coldwell Banker Realty, while the Affiliate of the Year Award was given to Christine Webster, attorney at Begley & Webster LLC.

The Realtor of the Year Award is the highest recognition the association can bestow on a Realtor member. It is given to a member based on association activity, community activity outside the association, and business activity. A Realtor since 1992, Walsh served as president of the RAPV board of directors in 2011. He has also served on the grievance, government affairs, professional standards, and YPN committees. He continues to serve on the RAPV board of directors.

Walsh has given back to the community through his involvement by being nominated for and approved by the Springfield City Council and holding the Realtor seat on the Springfield Historical Commission for nearly 12 years. He is a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the USO. He is a supporter of the VFW, Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society, American Heart Assoc., and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The Affiliate of the Year Award is the highest recognition the association can bestow on an affiliate member. It is given based on affiliate membership activities related to the association, community service in activities outside the association, and business activity. A member of RAPV since 2005, Webster has served on the affiliate-realtor and professional development committees.

Webster has demonstrated significant support to the association and community outreach and volunteered in RAPV’s seminars held by the affiliate-realtor committee and the professional development committee’s “If the Realtor Had Only Known” sessions. She also provides guidance to all Realtors who seek assistance in transactions and legal questions.

Her community activities include being a Westfield Zoning Board of Appeal member and serving on the finance committee at St. Mary’s Parish of Westfield. She also volunteers preparing meals for the homeless and has been involved in fundraising for schools and the parish.

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40 hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Tuition costs $425 and includes the book and materials.

The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real-estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. The association also has an affiliated partnership with the CE Shop to offer discounts on online exam prep materials.

Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave. in Springfield. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 6, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40-hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Oct. 5. Tuition costs $425, including the book and materials.

For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

SPRINGFIELD — Lori Beth Chase was installed as the 2023 president of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association with more than 1,800 members. The 107th annual installation of officers and directors was held on Jan. 12 at the Roosevelt Room at Union Station in Northampton.

Chase started her professional real-estate career in 2017 and quickly became involved in serving locally. Since 2020, she has served on the local board of directors at RAPV and, in 2021, served as treasurer and chair of the finance committee. Also in 2021, she served on the Massachusetts Association of Realtors finance committee and, after the passing of Rick Sawicki in 2021, has served as the Western Mass. regional vice president, serving not only the Pioneer Valley but the Berkshires as well. In this position, she sits on the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors executive committee and board of directors.

The following individuals were installed as 2023 officers: Arlene Castellano of Maria Acuna Real Estate as president-elect; Peter Ruffini of RE/MAX Connections as treasurer; and Cheryl Malandrinos of BHH Realty Professionals as immediate past president. Directors include Carrie Blair of Keller Williams Realty, Shawn Bowman of Trademark Real Estate, Brenda Cuoco of Brenda Cuoco & Associates, Peter Davies of Borawski Real Estate, Janise Fitzpatrick of Jones Group Realtors, Judy Nevarez of BHH Realty Professionals, Michelle Stegall of Property One, and Clinton Stone of RE/MAX Connections.

The 2023 Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors leadership team also attended the installation, including President David McCarthy, immediate Past President Dawn Ruffini, President-elect Amy Wallick, Treasurer Jim Major, and CEO Theresa Hatton.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) received a generous toy donation from the Agawam High School hockey team on Dec. 11. The team conducted its toy drive to collect donations for the RAPV community service committee’s toy drive. King Ward also donated a bus to transport the toys. The toys were collected at Agawam High School and loaded into a Springfield Thunderbirds King Ward bus for drop-off at RAPV’s office.

The Agawam High School hockey team has participated in the event for the past three years and made generous donations to benefit the local organizations the community service committee serves. All donations will benefit the Adopt-a-Family program.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to give back to our communities, and we appreciate all their support,” said Sue Drumm, an RAPV community service committee member.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley announced its annual award winners at the association’s holiday luncheon on Dec. 1 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The 2022 Realtor of the Year is Arlene Castellano of Acuna Real Estate. The 2022 Affiliate of the Year is Victor Rodriguez Sr. of PeoplesBank.

The Realtor of the Year Award is the highest form of recognition the association can bestow on a Realtor member. It is given to a member based on association activity, community activity outside the association, and business activity.

A Realtor since 2015, Castellano has served on the RAPV board of directors since 2020. She has also served on the community service, finance, government affairs, member engagement, professional standards, and YPN committees.

Castellano has given back to the community through her active involvement with the community service committee, including as a board member for Dress for Success and co-chair of its relocation committee; as a basketball coach; serving in the Franklin County Meal; and coordinating a Meet the Candidate event for state Rep. Jake Oliveira. She has also coordinated RAPV’s new-member orientation and has been featured on the Real Estate Minute segment of WWLP’s Mass Appeal program intended to educate the public about real estate and the role of Realtors. She recently participated in and graduated from the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors’ 2022 Leadership Academy Class.

The Affiliate of the Year Award is the highest form of recognition the association can bestow on an affiliate member. It is given based on affiliate membership activities related to the association, community service in activities outside the association, and business activity.

A member of RAPV since 2015, Rodriguez is the mortgage consultant at PeoplesBank and has served on the affiliate-Realtor and community service committees.

Rodriguez has demonstrated tremendous support to the association and community outreach and volunteered in RAPV’s community-service efforts through its Christmas adopt-a-family program. His community activities include being director at Heir of Christ Christian Church since 2016, a board member of Holyoke Chapter Salvation Army since 2019, a board member of One Holyoke CDC since 2019, a committee member of Buy Holyoke Now, and a prior board member of the Greater Holyoke YMCA.

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40-hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Tuition is $400 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) announced that its community service committee will host a free shred event on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the association’s parking lot, located at 221 Industry Ave., Springfield, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event is free and open to the public. The limit of shredding is five boxes per household, and shredding services will be provided on-site by Proshred.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley reported that Pioneer Valley home sales were down 11.7% from January 2021 to January 2022, and the median price was up 9.8%.

In Franklin County, last month’s sales were down 14.6% from the previous January, and median price was up 30.3%. In Hampden County, sales were down 16.1%, and median price was up 6.3%. In Hampshire County, sales were up 7.4% from a year earlier, and median price was up 9.9%.

Inventory of available property was significantly down year over year, with 333 homes for sale in January 2022, 44.9% fewer than the 604 homes for sale in January 2021. Average days on market also fell, from 50 in January 2021 to 36 in January 2022.

SPRINGFIELD — Cheryl Malandrinos was installed as the 2022 president of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association with more than 1,800 members. The installation of officers and directors was held on Jan. 14 at the RAPV headquarters and was also livestreamed on Facebook.

Malandrinos started her professional real-estate career in 2014 and quickly became involved in RAPV. She has served on the board of directors for three consecutive years and has been involved in several committees. The RAPV named her Realtor of the Year in 2019.

In addition to her association involvement, she devotes her time to other community-outreach programs such as Rick’s Place in Wilbraham, Christina’s House in Springfield, and as treasurer for WriteAngles Inc.

The following individuals were installed as 2022 officers: Lori Beth Chase of LAER Realty Partners as president-elect, Arlene Castellano of Maria Acuna Real Estate as treasurer, Peter Ruffini RE/MAX Connections as secretary, and Elias Acuna of Maria Acuna Real Estate as immediate past president. Directors include Shawn Bowman of Trademark Real Estate, Brenda Cuoco of Brenda Cuoco & Associates, Peter Davies of Borawski Real Estate, Janise Fitzpatrick of Jones Group Realtors, Luci Giguere of Landmark Realtors, Sharyn Jones of Executive Real Estate, Michelle Stegall of Property One, and Clinton Stone of Property One.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) announced its annual award winners at the association’s Holiday Celebration meeting on Dec. 8 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel.

The Realtor of the Year is Sue Drumm of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. The Affiliate of the Year is April Healey of Norcom Mortgage.

The Realtor of the Year Award is the highest form of recognition the association can bestow on a Realtor member. It is given to a member based on association activity, community activity outside the association, and business activity.

A Realtor since 2009, Drumm has served on the RAPV board of directors since 2013. She has also served on the community service, education fair and expo, finance, government affairs, and member engagement committees.

Drumm has given back to the community through her active involvement with the community service committee, including conducting toy drives and assisting with the Shriners Hospitals for Children blanket drive to benefit the committee’s effort. She has also coordinated RAPV new-member orientation and participated in the Mayoral Minute with Agawam Mayor William Sapelli.

The Affiliate of the Year Award is the highest form of recognition the association can bestow on an affiliate member. It is given based on affiliate membership activities related to the association, community service in activities outside the association, and business activity.

A member of RAPV since 2002, Healey is the loan officer at Norcom Mortgage and has served on the community service and affiliate-Realtor committees.

She has demonstrated a tremendous amount of support to the association and community outreach and volunteered in RAPV’s community-service efforts by helping and taking the lead in serving neighbors in the Franklin County Community Meals Program and getting involved with her local Rotary Club. She has also conducted financial-management workshops for teens and single moms in Franklin County.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) announced its annual award winners at the association’s virtual Holiday Celebration meeting on Dec. 9. The Realtor of the Year for 2020 is Kelly Page of Trademark Real Estate. The Affiliate of the Year is Michele Welch of Embrace Home Loans.

The Realtor of the Year award is the highest form of recognition the association can bestow on a Realtor member. It is given to a member based on association activity, community activity outside the association, and business activity.

A Realtor since 1997, Page is the broker/owner of Trademark Real Estate and has served on the RAPV board of directors since 2014. She has also served on the grievance, professional development, professional standards, communications, member engagement, and strategic planning committees. Page has given back to the community by attending in-person and virtual events and assisting with the Shriners Hospitals for Children blanket drive and training in new-member orientations, and also took time to achieve the C2EX and earn her CRB designation.

The Affiliate of the Year award is the highest form of recognition the association can bestow on an affiliate member. It is given based on affiliate membership activities related to the association, community service in activities outside the association, and business activity.

The senior loan officer at Embrace Home Loans, Welch has been a member of RAPV since 2016 and has served on the community service, affiliate-Realtor, and government affairs committees. She has demonstrated a tremendous amount of support to the association and in community outreach and volunteered in RAPV’s community-service efforts through fundraising, shelter support, supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children blanket project, and being heavily involved with Revitalize CDC.

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley released September statistics on the sales of single-family homes in the region, painting a picture of a sellers’ market.

Sales are up 6.9% from 553 in September 2019 to 591 in September 2020. Median price is up 15.2% from $230,000 in September 2019 to $265,000 in September 2020.

Inventory of available property is down 55.8% from 1,728 homes for sale in September 2019 to 763 homes for sale in September 2020. Supply is down 54.6% from 3.5 months of supply at the current rate of sale by the end of September 2019 to 1.6 months of supply at the current rate of sale by the end of September 2020. Days on the market fell 31.8% from 56 days on the market, on average, in September 2019 to 38 days in September 2020.

Pending sales (under agreement to sell) are up 28.4% from 542 listings pending sale in September 2019 to 696 listings pending sale in September 2020.

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Sept. 9, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class, sales-licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Oct. 15. Tuition is $400 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

The Realtors Assoc. has taken all necessary COVID-19 sanitary precautions in accordance with CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines to ensure the safety of its students. Classes are limited to 18 students.