VAR Honors its 2024 Realtors® of Distinction Awards Recipients
The Vermont Association of Realtors® honored the recipients of its 2024 Realtors® of Distinction Awards during the association’s 79th Annual Meeting in South Burlington on October 30. Congratulations to our winners!
Sarah Peluso – Realtor® of the Year
Sarah Peluso, a real estate broker at IPJ Real Estate in Middlebury, has been named the Vermont Association of Realtors® (VAR) 2024 Realtor® of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes a Realtor® who has demonstrated outstanding service to the real estate profession and the community, exhibiting a commitment to ethical practices, professional development, and active involvement in local, state, and national Realtor® organizations.
“Sarah’s leadership, integrity, and passion for serving others truly embody what it means to be a Realtor®,” said Kathy Sweeten, chief executive officer of VAR. “Her dedication to her clients, her community, and her profession is unparalleled. She is a role model for Realtors® everywhere, demonstrating how commitment, integrity, and leadership can positively impact the lives of those around her.”
Sarah’s impact extends far beyond her professional achievements. Her extensive community involvement showcases her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Sarah has served on numerous boards and commissions, including:
- United Way of Addison County: Board Member (2006-2012), Board Chair (2012). During her tenure, Sarah played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission, serving on the Community Impact Committee for five years and the Campaign Committee, where she helped drive fundraising and community support.
- Middlebury Planning Commission: Member (2014-2020). Sarah contributed to shaping the growth and development of the community through her thoughtful participation and leadership.
- Eastview at Middlebury: Board Member (2015-present), Board Chair (2018-2023). Sarah has been instrumental in guiding the strategic vision of this vital community resource for seniors.
- PrimeMLS: Board member in 2023.
In addition to her civic engagement, Sarah’s leadership within the real estate community is equally impressive. She served as President of the Addison County Board of Realtors® (ACBOR) in 2012 and was honored as ACBOR’s Realtor® of the Year in 2016 for her extraordinary contributions to the profession and her community. Since 2015, Sarah has been an active member of the VAR Board of Directors and, in 2023, led the organization as its President. Under her leadership, VAR navigated a transformative year, advancing initiatives that support the professional development of Realtors® and promoting ethical business practices.
Despite managing multiple leadership roles and active community involvement, Sarah consistently remains one of the top sales agents in the state.
Living in Cornwall, VT, with her husband Mark and their two children, Sarah remains deeply connected to the community she serves. Sarah will be honored at the VAR Annual Meeting in Burlington on Oct. 30.
Kevin Barnes – Good Neighbor
The Vermont Association of Realtors® (VAR) is proud to announce Kevin Barnes the recipient of the association’s prestigious Good Neighbor Award, which honors Realtors® who have made extraordinary contributions to improving their communities through volunteer work and service. The award emphasizes the importance of leadership and philanthropy, encouraging Realtors® across the state to engage with and uplift their local communities.
Kevin’s commitment to volunteerism and community service is exemplary. He has been a steadfast volunteer long before joining the real estate profession, dedicating his time and talents to improving the lives of others. A dedicated little league coach for six years, Kevin also led the “Friends and Neighbors Foundation,” raising significant funds for the organization as its president. His service extended to the Reading Recreation Commission, where he served as president for five years.
As a trained chef, Kevin’s volunteerism has included time with the Sugar River Valley Tech Center, where he served on the board for their culinary arts program. He was also a board member of the Okemo Community Challenge Committee, helping raise over $2 million for area charities and scholarships.
After transitioning to real estate, Kevin continued his community involvement, serving for 13 years on the Crown Point Board of Realtors® (CPBR) in various capacities, including RPAC chair, past president, and past ombudsman. Whether rolling up his sleeves at events or organizing a chef demonstration for the Ludlow Recreation Committee, Kevin is known for his willingness to contribute wherever needed.
His passion for giving also extends into environmental conservation. Kevin serves on the Black River Action Team, where he has taken weekly and bi-weekly water samples for five years to monitor the health of the Black River watershed. He also participates in river clean-up days.
An avid snow sports enthusiast, Kevin is deeply involved with local organizations such as the Reading All Terrain Club and the Little Ascutney Snowmobile Club, where he has served in leadership roles. Despite balancing his career as a Realtor®, Kevin has continued his commitment to his community, including six years of service at the Ludlow Area Rotary Club, where he is a past president and the current president-elect. He also plays an active role in the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“Some people never volunteer, while others are always at the ready—Kevin is the latter,” says Joe Karl of the William Raveis Vermont Properties Team. “It’s amazing to be a dedicated family man, a full-time real estate agent, and still have the time to give back to the community. Kevin never looks for accolades, but this award has been long overdue.”
David Raphael – Robert J. Arkley Lifetime Achievement
The Vermont Association of Realtors® has named David Raphael the recipient of its Robert J. Arkley Lifetime Achievement Award. David, broker/owner of Artisan Realty in Essex, VT, is widely recognized as a leader and a dedicated professional within the real estate community, consistently upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism. He is often the go-to Realtor® when colleagues seek guidance, earning a reputation for his kindness, courteous demeanor, and deep commitment to the real estate profession.
“David’s willingness to share his extensive knowledge and experience has made him an indispensable resource for countless Realtors® over the years,” said Troi Bachmann, chief executive officer of the Northwest Vermont Realtor® Association (NVRA). “He is always available to mentor and assist his peers, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the real estate industry. His distinguished career has included significant contributions at every level.”
David has served the Northwest Vermont Realtors® Association (formerly NVBR) in numerous capacities, including as President of the Vermont Real Estate Information Network (2008-2010) and President of the NVBR in 2011. He continues to serve on the NVRA Professional Standards Committee as a trained ombudsman and mediator, tirelessly working to resolve disputes between consumers and Realtors® with efficiency and fairness.
On a state level, David’s involvement with the Vermont Association of Realtors® (VAR) has been equally impactful. Currently serving as the Treasurer of VAR for the 2024-2025 term, he has also held positions as a State Director, Chair of the VAR Technology Committee, and member of the VAR Professional Standards Committee. David has been particularly influential in helping his Vermont colleagues navigate recent national changes to real estate rules regarding agent commissions.
“David dedicated countless hours to research, discussions, phone calls, and emails to ensure that the industry continues to operate within appropriate guidelines and best practices following these recent rule changes,” said Kathy Sweeten, chief executive officer of VAR. “He is an invaluable asset to the Vermont real estate community.”
David’s contributions extend beyond Vermont to the national stage, where he has represented the state with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). As a graduate of the NAR Leadership Academy (2010-2011), David has served on multiple NAR committees, including the Land Use, Property Rights and Environment Committee, Global Business Alliances Committee, Professional Development Committee, Risk Management Committee, and the Professional Standards Committee. His role as a national director and his participation in these influential committees have had a lasting impact on the real estate profession nationwide.
In addition to these impressive achievements, David served on the Vermont Real Estate Commission from 2011 to 2019, and is a Past President and Emeritus member of the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), where he served as President in 2018. His leadership and dedication to advancing ethical standards have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.
“David Raphael’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, ethics, and the betterment of the real estate industry make him an ideal candidate for this prestigious award,” said Sweeten.