Member News & Updates
From Vietnam to the Willamette Valley: Thuy Chrestenson and the American Dream
From Vietnam to the Willamette Valley: Thuy Chrestenson and the American Dream The story of how Thuy Chrestenson arrived in the United States from her native Vietnam reads like a classic Hollywood movie script, from the chance encounter with her future husband to their whirlwind romance and life together on a rural Oregon farm. Chrestenson,…
Ashleigh Fordham and the Art of Leading Agents Through Change
Ashleigh Fordham and the Art of Leading Agents Through Change As new technology and rule changes have reshaped the real estate industry, Ashleigh Fordham is seeing more agents experience what she describes as “change burnout.” “Agents have had a lot thrown at them,” said Fordham, managing principal broker and owner of Windermere Heritage. “Between legal changes, new…
Garibay Realty Team Makes Community Their Mission
Garibay Realty Team Makes Community Their Mission Decking the halls in downtown Salem is no small task. Just ask Ruben and Erin Garibay. The husband-and-wife couple behind Garibay Realty Team with HomeSmart Realty Group oversaw the installation of this year’s downtown Christmas lights – a spectacle only made possible by careful planning and hundreds of collective volunteer…
More Than A REALTOR®: Cathie Velasco Demonstrates Commitment to Community Service
More Than A REALTOR®: Cathie Velasco Demonstrates Commitment to Community Service The 2025 MVAR Awards & Installation Banquet on Nov. 5 was a night to remember for Cathie Velasco, who was named REALTOR® of the Year in recognition of her outstanding career success and commitment to community service. As a real estate broker since 2004,…
MVAR Members Hear Overview of Salem Business Climate
MVAR Members Hear Overview of Salem Business Climate From increasing taxes to regulatory hurdles, the business and real estate climate in Salem has experienced its share of challenges in recent years. That’s why pro-development organizations like MVAR are critical to advocate for members and strive for commonsense solutions that help communities and small businesses thrive.…
Heather Egan’s Mission: Helping Families Find the Stability of Home
Heather Egan’s Mission: Helping Families Find the Stability of Home Heather Egan has always had a love for homes. Growing up, Egan remembers her family was often on the move. They would typically rent homes until finally they were able to buy one in Hillsboro. Finding that stability, she said, made a big difference to her…
