Across the Association - Mar/Apr 2024

Across the Association

OUR SERVICES

Purchase, sale, and leasing of residential and commercial properties

Drafting and reviewing residential and commercial contracts

Title examination and title insurance

Chain of title disputes

Boundary line and survey issues

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Shalini Natesan, Esq. Partner & Leading Real Estate Attorney

shalini natesan@townelaw com

TLF represents buyers, sellers, businesses, banks, and commercial & residential lenders. Our dedicated team of attorneys are quick, efficient, and responsive - everything you need to close deals faster.

Streamline the closing process for your clients; we handle all aspects of title inhouse.

Laura Burns, CEO

Kathleen Sullivan, President

Melissa Woodcock, President-Elect

Kirsten Blanchard, Secretary-Treasurer

Felton McLaughlin

Jennifer Mentiply

Lorenzo Murray

Suzanne Prezio

Michelle Poccia

Dan Shepard

Kathie Spangler

Linda Yetto

The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade association which provides its members with programs and services which enhance the members‘ ability to successfully conduct their businesses in a competent and ethical manner, promotes cooperation among its members, and promotes the public‘s right to own, use and transfer real property.

The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®.

The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® does not necessarily endorse the companies products or services advertised in the newsletter unless specifically stated.

On the cover: In the late 1930s, a federal government agency called the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) began a project to evaluate mortgage risk in cities across the country. Neighborhoods were graded into categories of “best, still desirable, definitely declining, and hazardous.” The areas were frequently drawn along racial lines, with areas deemed hazardous marked in red. These maps and reports are the start of redlining, a discriminatory real estate practice which made it harder for people of color to obtain mortgages and purchase homes.

CHAMPIONING FAIRNESS: REALTORS® UPHOLD FAIR HOUSING PRINCIPLES

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, we must uphold the principles of fairness and equality in all our dealings. Discrimination, in any form, has no place in our profession—it is unethical and illegal.

With April fast approaching, we are reminded of the significance of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and its enduring impact on our industry. It is a time for us, as REALTORS®, to reflect on the past and present challenges of housing discrimination and segregation. More importantly, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to promoting equitable opportunities and fostering inclusive communities.

This issue of our magazine is dedicated to providing you with valuable fair housing resources. From informative articles to practical tips, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of fair housing laws and regulations.

As community leaders, we hold a unique position to effect positive

change. Together, we can champion fairness and advocate for policies that support homeownership for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance.

In line with this commitment, I urge you to mark your calendars for NYSAR’s annual Lobby Day in Albany, scheduled for Wednesday, March 27th, at the Albany Empire State Plaza. This event provides a platform for REALTORS® from across the state to engage with lawmakers, advocate for our priorities, and amplify our collective voice. I encourage you to join us in this important endeavor—your participation matters.

As your president, I am deeply honored to serve you, our members, and our profession. I sincerely thank everyone who attended the installation dinner on March 6th. For those who couldn’t make it, you can find photos from the event on page 12 of this magazine.

Kathleen Sullivan 2024 GCAR President

Make

» Addressing New York’s Housing Supply Crisis

» Support for First Time Homebuyers

» Addressing New York’s Flawed Telemarketing Law

» Opposing “Good Cause” Eviction Legislation

» Increasing Transparency in the Purchase of a Cooperative Apartment

This will be a prime opportunity to speak to your lawmakers about these and other important issues impacting REALTORS® and the real estate industry.

Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served.

Headshot Happy Hour

New York State Women’s Council of REALTORS® Honors GCAR Members

At the NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings held in February, Rebekah O’Neil of Howard Hanna, was awarded the 2023 Women’s Council of REALTORS® New York State Member of the Year.

During the same event, Coty Demers of Diamond Key Realty NY and Stefanie Gouvis of Oxford Property Group were installed to the New York State Women’s Council of REALTORS® Board of Directors.

In February, GCAR partnered with Hone Coworks to host a headshot happy hour at their Wolf Road location. Andrew Elder of Best Frame Forward provided free professional headshots to those in attendance.

Community Relations Committee Lends a Helping Hand

Members of the Community Relations Committee will be headed to the Regional Food Bank on Friday, March 29, to help sort foods for packaging to be delivered to those in need.

Later this year, committee members will also be cooking a meal for visitors staying at Jack’s Place in Schenectady, participating in a Habitat Build, cleaning up the grounds at the Double H Ranch, and volunteering with Operation at Ease.

Sympathies are extended to...

The friends and family of Judy Kaiser of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices upon the passing of her brother, in February.

Photo courtesy of NYSAR

NAR’s 2024 Fair Housing Month Toolkit is Now Available

In April, lead your REALTOR® community in commemorating the transformative Fair Housing Act of 1968. Beyond remembrance, April offers a chance for active engagement—crucial for fostering equitable and inclusive communities. The Fair Housing Month toolkit features a downloadable poster, social media graphics and other strategic resources. We encourage you to use this toolkit to effectively communicate and champion fair housing initiatives within your community.

nar.realtor/fair-housing/fair-housing-month/fair-housing-month-toolkit

SOLAR ECLIPSE

On the afternoon of April 8, a total eclipse will be observed in the western and northern parts of New York State. The Capital Region will see 96 percent coverage.

Beginning around 3:15 pm, the moon will pass between the earth and sun, turning day into night for 1 ½ minutes to 3 ½ minutes. The roughly 100mile wide path of totality will enter the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 pm. It will depart northern New York just before 3:30. The entire event will last for up to 2 ½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast.

Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

• Protect your eyes with specialized solar viewing glasses.

• Check traffic before heading out for this event as higher volumes of visitors are expected throughout the area.

• Prepare for the weather.

Learn more: parks.ny.gov/eclipse/

Updates to the Property Condition Disclosure Statement

The amended Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS) goes into effect Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The amended PCDS includes language requiring the disclosure of issues related to flooding and removal of the $500 credit if sellers fail or refuse to provide the PCDS. Sellers will no longer have the option of providing the $500 credit in lieu of the PCDS.

Learn more: globalmls.com/pcds-update

DATES TO REMEMBER

March 27

Lobby Day

Empire State Plaza

May 4–9

NAR Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo

Washington, DC

May 23

Bowling for RPAC

Kingpins Alley Latham

May 27

Memorial Day

GCAR & Global MLS offices are closed

June 19

Juneteenth

GCAR & Global MLS offices are closed

June 20

GCAR General Membership Meeting

The Gideon Putnam

October 10

GCAR Trade Show

Crowne Plaza Albany – Desmond Hotel

For additional information, visit GCAR.com/events

NYSAR FIGHTS TELEMARKETING BAN, HOCHUL BACKS ‘PRO-HOUSING’ ZONES, AND NEW SOCIAL HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPOSED

By Connor Gillis Government Affairs Rep, NYSAR

NYSAR meets with Senate on telemarketing restrictions bill NYSAR staff organized a meeting with Senator Kevin Thomas’ office and other organizations negatively impacted by the state’s ban on telemarketing business activities during declared states of emergency. Since the beginning of the pandemic, NYSAR has been focused on resolving the issue, expressing the harm the current law continues to impose on REALTORS® who cannot conduct telemarketing. At the same time, the state remains in a constant state of emergency due to various declarations concerning gun violence, immigration crisis, etc.

NYSAR was successful in its advocacy efforts to get the bill (S.412/A.6680) passed in the Assembly last year with Assemblymember Amy Paulin (Westchester) and will continue to work with Sen. Thomas (Long Island), who carries the bill in the Senate, in efforts to advance the legislation.

Municipalities begin applying for Governor Hochul’s “pro-housing” designation program Governor Kathy Hochul held a roundtable with local municipal leaders to announce the first 20 “pro-

housing communities” approved to receive priority access when applying for certain state grant funding from a pool of $650 million. More than 80 municipalities have sent letters of intent to participate in the program. Currently, those communities that affirm their commitment to building more housing or prove that they hit growth benchmarks in the past will get preference in grant distribution. The governor proposed to require the “pro-housing” designation for localities to qualify for such grant funding this year.

State lawmakers introduce “social housing” bill

State Sen. Cordell Cleare and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher introduced a bill to create the Social Housing Development Authority to finance and develop housing directly instead of relying on private developers. Sponsors of the proposal say it is a progressive alternative to providing tax abatement programs such as the expired 421a program in New York City for housing developers. The program is estimated to cost an initial $5 billion, with annual spending at $75 million.

NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 20 24

Expand Access to Homeownership

Many New Yorkers hope to achieve their dream of homeownership; however, they can face difficult financial obstacles, including some of the highest-inthe-nation property taxes and closing costs. NYSAR strongly supports legislation to help New Yorkers overcome these barriers to homeownership, especially first-time homebuyers.

Technical Amendment to State’s Telemarketing Restrictions

NYSAR advocates for an amendment to allow real estate licensees to provide telemarketing services during states of emergency when it is found that such telemarketing services would not impair or mitigate a declared state of emergency.

Strengthen New York’s Fair Housing Laws

NYSAR aims to enhance fairness and transparency in housing purchases, proposing measures like clear response timelines for coop board applications and increasing the number of consecutive years licensed before an agent can become a broker.

Independent Contractor Status

NYSAR seeks an exemption for real estate professionals from the “Freelance isn’t Free Act,” citing fundamental differences in compensation models. Compensation laws exist for licensed real estate brokers and salespersons under NYS Workers Compensation Law and Labor Law.

Climate Action

NYSAR expresses concerns about the feasibility and cost of implementing climate action measures, particularly regarding the prohibition of fossil fuel equipment in buildings.

Opposition to Oppressive Regulations

NYSAR opposes various regulations that would hinder property transactions in New York State.

• Implementation of local rent control measures

• Enactment of statewide “good cause” eviction policies

• Prohibition of landlords and their agents from collecting broker fees from tenants

• Mandate for real estate licensees to solicit, compile, and disclose personal demographic information of prospective home buyers.

• Establishment of a statewide residential rental registry and publicly accessible online database

• Introduction of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA)

• Requirement for property owners to conduct lead paint assessments and provide reports before property sale or lease.

Reduce State and Local Real Estate Taxes

NYSAR strongly opposes legislation that would increase state or local mortgage recording or real estate transfer taxes. New York State already has some of the country’s highest closing costs and real estate taxes, and individuals and businesses are choosing to leave the state due to over-taxation. To reverse this trend, New York should advance policies that make homebuying more affordable.

NAR Weighs in With Supreme Court To Protect Private Property Rights

By: Christie DeSanctis Director, Federal Banking, Lending, and Housing Finance Policy National Association of REALTORS®

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) filed two “friend of the court” briefs in support of property owners facing unconstitutional violations of the Fifth Amendment in cases pending before the Supreme Court.

In the first case, a homeowner paid thousands of dollars for a mandatory fee to obtain a land-use permit. The homeowner paid the fee for the permit even though it would go toward a purpose unrelated to the planned development, which may artificially increase the cost of real estate and impose costly, burdensome requirements on property owners. In the second case, residential properties were damaged by government action, and the homeowners lacked any legal avenue to seek compensation for that damage, impacting fundamental property rights and potential development opportunities. At a time when many buyers are struggling to afford or find properties, government action must create certainty and stability in the housing market to promote development, support homeownership and protect private property rights.

In Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, California, a property owner applied for a building permit to construct a single-family residence on his property, and the county required a land-use exaction of over $23,000 in exchange for the building permit to finance county road improvements. The homeowner paid the fee and challenged the exaction as unconstitutional under the Takings Clause and the unconstitutional conditions doctrine. The two challenges applied here would prohibit the government from conditioning the approval of a land-use permit on the owner’s conveyance of real property or money unless there is an essential nexus and rough proportionality between the government’s demand and the effects of the proposed land use.

NAR’s amicus brief urged a robust reading of the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause to protect private property rights from unjust government regulation. NAR was joined on the amicus brief by the American Property Owners Alliance, the REALTORS® Land Institute, the California Association of REALTORS® and Californians for Homeownership.

In Devillier v. Texas, a Texas highway project caused widespread flooding. Still, property owners were unable to bring an unconstitutional takings lawsuit against the state for compensation for the damage caused. The Constitution’s Eleventh Amendment grants states immunity from federal lawsuits brought by its own citizens. Therefore, the property owners sued the state directly, arguing the Takings Clause is applied to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held in favor of the state. The court found that the inverse condemnation lawsuit should be dismissed because takings claims under the Fifth Amendment, as applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment, can only be brought against a “person” and does not provide a private right of action against a state. The Supreme Court will determine whether a person whose property is taken without compensation may directly seek redress under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. NAR filed the amicus brief with the American Property Owners Alliance and the Texas REALTORS®.

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RPAC REPORT

RPAC is the only professional organization in the country organized for REALTORS®, run by REALTORS®, and exists to promote issues important to REALTORS®. RPAC provides financial support to lawmakers and candidates who understand and support private-property rights and the real estate industry.

GCAR RPAC Wins Most Improved Award

At the NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings in February, the GCAR RPAC was presented with a most improved award. Out of all the local boards in New York State, GCAR had the largest year-to-year increase in member participation in RPAC for 2023.

Thank You for Your Investment

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Suzanne Prezio, of Suzanne Prezio Properties, Inc., for her generous donation to RPAC, earning her a place in the President’s Club. Suzanne’s commitment to supporting our RPAC ensures a brighter future for real estate professionals and homeowners alike.

Help us reach our goal! Invest at GCAR.com/invest

2024 RPAC GOALS

Fundraising

Goal: $83,246

YTD: $49,942 (60%)

Participation

Goal: 1,368

YTD: 926 (67%)

RPAC INVESTMENT LEVELS

Investor: $15 - $98

99 Club: $99 - $249

Presidents Club: $500 - $999

Sterling R: $1,000 - $2,499

Crystal R: $2,500 - $4,999

Golden R: $5,000 - $9,999

Platinum: $10,000

2024 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® installed the 2024 Board of Directors at a dinner held at the Renaissance Hotel in Albany, NY.

GCAR Past President, Cathy Griffin, performed the swearing-in ceremony of Kathleen Sullivan of Keller Williams Capital District, who was installed as the 2024 GCAR President. New York State Association of REALTORS® Past President, Greg Connors, performed the swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected directors.

Event Sponsors

1st National Bank of Scotia

Ballston Spa National Bank

Bhumio, Inc.

CIREB

Homestead Funding Corp.

Hunt ERA

Ianniello Anderson, P.C.

In-House Media

Keller Williams Capital District

Sunmark Federal Credit Union

The Towne Law Firm, P.C.

Truth and Reconciliation

By: Brennon Thompson Fair Housing Policy Analyst, National Association of REALTORS®

In 1948, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on restrictive covenants in real estate. Three-quarters of a century later, REALTORS® are reckoning with the past as they work to bring equal housing opportunity to all.

Seventy-five years after Shelley v. Kraemer, the long shadow of racially restrictive covenants still hangs over the nation. These explicitly discriminatory clauses were written into property deeds to prevent racial, ethnic, and religious minorities from owning and occupying certain properties. Racially restrictive covenants reenforced the conflation of race and property value that remains at the root of segregation and inequality in America.

In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Shelley that racially restrictive covenants were unenforceable in court. However, the court preserved the legality of discrimination in private agreements. That wasn’t changed until 20 years later when, in 1968, the Fair Housing Act was passed. To this day, however, discriminatory language lingers in property records and regularly resurfaces in real estate transactions.

Today, the National Association of REALTORS® and its members are actively advocating for laws that address the presence of restrictive

covenants in real estate documents. At the same time, as part of its Fair Housing Action Plan: ACT! (ACT stands for accountability, culture change and training), the association is confronting the legacy of such covenants, including its own role in their use.

A Reckoning With the Past Documents

from NAR’s archive show that the association once supported the covenants, and, after Shelley, some members even entertained pushing for a constitutional amendment.

It’s unclear what efforts were subsequently made to sponsor a constitutional amendment. REALTORS® turned their advocacy efforts toward protecting the right of property owners to sell to buyers of their choice. This national campaign to fight “forced housing” effectively defeated fair housing provisions in early civil rights legislation and delayed the passage of the Fair Housing Act until 1968, when the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ignited the political will of the nation.

Four years later, the association passed a policy urging, “all citizens to respect the law of the land prohibiting discrimination,” marking a pivotal step in the association’s adoption of equal opportunity in housing.

Unenforced, but Still Evident

There’s a movement today to pass state laws that enable governments and property owners to disavow discriminatory language without whitewashing history. In addition to supporting such laws, NAR is supporting federal and state efforts to document and address the continuing effects of restrictive covenants. For many members, the extent of the restrictions that once existed in real estate comes as a surprise.

“Growing up you really don’t learn these things,” says Jessica Thompson, green, c2ex, broker-owner of Cityburb Homes in Oklahoma City.

That is true—unless you’ve lived it. “I became aware as a kid,” says Janel Randall, GRI, C2EX, broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Paramount in Edmond, Okla. Randall is founder and president of the United Oklahoma Association of Realtists, a chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, “the oldest minority professional trade association in America.” She says grandparents on both sides of her family experienced racial discrimination when trying to purchase their homes.

Although Randall was able to buy in her neighborhood of choice when she moved from New Orleans to Oklahoma in 2005, she wasn’t able

to fully escape the effect of past restrictions. She was told by neighbors that hers was the only black family in the neighborhood. “I would go to the [neighborhood] pool and use my code to get in, [but] people would ask, ‘Who are you?’ and ‘Where do you live?’ My children would walk the neighborhood and the police would get called on them. I was forced to have state IDs made for my children at eight and nine years old, so that they could prove that they live in the neighborhood.”

Absent this lived experience, many real estate professionals learn this history of racial covenants on the job. “The first time I actually encountered a racially restrictive covenant was when a title company sent the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) for a transaction,” says Anya Mashaney, AHWD, C2EX, a broker with Spaces Real Estate in Oklahoma City who serves on the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Committee.

“I started reading through them and I was appalled. Honestly, I couldn’t believe that it’s just commonplace for the title company to upload them and send them in an email,” Mashaney says. “As I’m skimming through, I almost don’t want to send this to my client because it is just so appalling. That was the first time I became aware that this language was still in existence in our currently recorded covenants and restrictions.”

So, when the Oklahoma State Legislature introduced a bill in 2023 to allow property owners to renounce discriminatory language in land records, OAR made it a top advocacy priority.

Thompson joined other real estate

professionals from the state for OAR’s REALTOR® Day at the Capitol. “We all went to our legislators and talked about how we felt that this was really important,” she says. After the bill was signed into law last May, the bill’s lead author, Rep. John Pfeiffer, thanked Oklahoma REALTORS® for championing the effort.

Forging a New Legacy

In recent years, a patchwork of similar legislation has been introduced in counties and states across the country, often with the support of REALTORS®. To standardize this effort, the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) recently drafted model legislation, the Unlawful Restrictions in Land Records Act, to “allow all property owners who encounter these harmful and unlawful restrictions to address the issue inexpensively and without needing an attorney.” According to Jane Sternecky, legislative counsel at the ULC, the legislation preserves the insurability of title and historical record while taking “a conclusive step away from the painful past.” Looking ahead to 2024, ULC anticipates introductions of the legislation in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington.

Earlier this year, Washington State took a significant step beyond symbolic renunciation to provide a path towards material repair. Washington REALTORS® successfully advocated for state legislation to provide down payment and closing cost assistance “to people, or heirs, impacted by racially restrictive covenants.” The Covenant Homeownership Program is funded by a $100 increase to the document recording fee assessed on real estate transactions. The program is estimated to raise $75 million per year for homeownership.

In an op-ed in the Washington News Tribune, 2023 Washington REALTORS® President Alisha Harrison, wrote, “Those who were barred from home ownership didn’t just suffer personally, their children and grandchildren continue to pay the price.” Harrison, AHWD, C2EX, continued, “As a mechanism, creating a new homeownership account for descendants of those who were denied housing opportunities is simple; as a solution, its effects will be profound.”

At the federal level, REALTORS® strongly support the Mapping Housing Discrimination Act, a bill sponsored by Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota. In an official letter of support, NAR wrote, “For many decades, restrictive covenants inserted into deeds and mortgage documents codified exclusion, divided communities and locked many Americans out of the benefits of property ownership… REALTORS® are committed to confronting the legacy of historic discrimination, closing the racial homeownership gap, and building vibrant, thriving communities where everyone can flourish.”

Seventy-five years after Shelley v. Kraemer, REALTORS® are a driving political force in their communities to redress harm and support a more equitable future. Through the Fair Housing ACT! program and other initiatives, REALTORS®, will continue to work hand in hand with governments, allied professionals, and buyers to close the racial homeownership gap and make homeownership accessible for all.

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Residential segregation in America didn’t happen by accident. Americans of different races live apart because of deliberate actions by public and private actors. This collection of fair housing titles has been compiled to help members deepen their understanding of how we became divided, and of the ramifications of living in a segregated society.

The Color of Law

By Richard Rothstein

A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America

Sundown Towns

By James W. Loewen

A Hidden Dimension of American Racism Family Properties

By Beryl Satter

Race, Real Estate, and the Exploitation of Black Urban America Caste

By Isabel Wilkerson

The Origins of Our Discontents

Know Your Price

By Andre M. Perry

Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities

Race for Profit

By Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor

How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership

The Fight for Fair Housing

By Gregory D. Squires

Causes, Consequences, and Future Implications of the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act

The Sum of Us

By Heather McGhee

What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together

All of these titles and more are available on the Libby app.

Libby by Overdrive

Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and view streaming video from the National Association of REALTORS® Library & Archives using Libby by OverDrive on your Apple or Android smartphone/tablet.

LEARN MORE AT REALTOR.OVERDRIVE.COM

Upcoming Fair Housing Courses

APRIL 16 | 9am - 12pm

Disabilities and Access to Housing for All

APRIL 16 | 1pm - 4pm

Lawful Source of Income: Fair Housing

Upcoming Ethics Courses

December 31, 2024, is the deadline for completing cycle 7 of the National Association of REALTORS® code of ethics course requirement.

MARCH 22 | 9am – 12pm

Business Ethics

APRIL 30 | 1pm – 4pm

Code of Ethics: Under All is the Land TO REGISTER, VISIT

GCAR.COM/CALENDAR

One of the many valuable resources that NAR provides is education to help members better run their businesses and support their clients amid an ever-evolving real estate landscape—including communicating value and walking buyers through written buyer representation agreements. That’s why, in partnership with the Center for REALTOR® Development, NAR is making the popular Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation Course, which is typically $295, available to REALTORS® at no cost.

Learn more at become.abr.realtor

Ready to rock? C2EX can help you take it to the next level.

Amp up your career at C2EX.realtor

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the Global MLS installed the 2024 Board of Directors at a dinner held at the Renaissance Hotel in Albany, NY.

Greg Connors, Past President of the New York State Association of REALTORS®, presided over the swearingin ceremony for the newly elected president, Marie Bettini, as well as the rest of the board of directors.

What is Offer Manager? The Basics

Offer Manager is an add on feature from ShowingTime that improves communication between agents during the offer process. This brings improved efficiency and communication to a critical part of the real estate workflow. It also increases industry professionalism and help agents better serve their clients. It provides flexibility so it works for all buyer’s and listing agents, regardless of their communication style or e-form provider.

The Basics

• Offer Manager is a feature built within the ShowingTime platform on both mobile and desktop.

• Buyer’s agents submit offers via the MLS instead of through email. They are automatically notified when the listing agent opens the offer.

• Listing agents have all offers automatically organized by listing and easily accessible. They can update buyer’s agents individually or all at once.

Make sure you download the ShowingTime app and check that your profile email and mobile number are up to date.

GCAR AFFILIATE MEMBERS

10 One Productions

518-487-9497

www.10oneproductions.com

Aaron@10oneproductions.com

1st National Bank of Scotia 201 Mohawk Ave

Scotia, NY 12302 518-370-7117

www.firstscotia.com

japoulin@firstscotia.com

32 Mile Production – Filmworks 331 Round Lake Rd

Ballston Lake, NY 12019 845-597-4804

filmworks109.com

chuck.fernandez@32mile.com

Arnoff Moving & Storage

10 Stonebreak Rd

Malta, NY 12020

518-463-5525

www.arnoff.com dfeldman@arnoff.com

Assured Partners

2880 US Highway 9

Valatie, NY 12184 518-783-8801

www.assuredpartners.com/valatie ryan.page@assuredpartners.com

Ballston Spa National Bank

990 State Route 67 Ballston Spa, NY 12020

518-363-8110

bsnb.mymortgage-online.com

nancy.koval@bsnb.com

Bhumio

PO Box 3872

Albany, NY 12203

518-429-7484

bhumio.com

victoria@bhumio.com

Carey Home Inspection

PO Box 1061

Averill Park, NY 12018

518-956-1078

www.careyhomeinspection.com don@careyhomeinspection.com

Clearpath Mortgage Solutions

43 British American Blvd Latham, NY 12110 518-389-7070

clearpathmortgages.com mike.rankin@clearpathmortgages.com

Crosscountry Mortgage

105 Lake Hill Rd, Suite 4 Burnt Hills, NY 12027 518-469-1200

crosscountrymortgage.com/Robert-Tuttle robert.tuttle@myccmortgage.com

Cutco Closing Gifts

21 Cliff St

Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 518-755-5701

www.cutcoclosinggifts.com asahr09@yahoo.com

Deangelus Goralczyk PLLC

3 Corporate Drive, STE 204 Clifton Park, NY 12065

518-631-6400 x101

www.dglawny.com

karen@dglawny.com

Debut Property Staging PO Box 547 Slingerlands, NY 12159

518-313-0975

debutpropertystaging.com

eileen@debutpropertystaging.com

DogWatch by Top Dog Pet Fence

410 Troy Schenectady Rd Ste 204 Latham, NY 12110

518-783-5678 x1

www.topdogpetfence.com

ed@topdogpetfence.com

Dryer Vent Wizard

8 Napa Court Niskayuna, NY 12309

518-901-3694

www.saratogadryervent.com

jcatino@dryerventwizard.com

Edgeco Environmental

136 Columbia St Cohoes, NY 12047

518-235-5687

www.edgecoenvironmental.com

edgecoenv1@gmail.com

GoRascal, Inc.

376 Broadway, Ste 17 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-791-4595

team.gorascal.com/heidi heidi@gorascal.com

Haus Capital Corporation

10 Blacksmith Dr, Ste 3

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

518-366-8608

www.hauscapitalcorp.com

bryan@hauscapitalcorp.com

Hinman, Howard & Kattell

10 Airline Dr, Ste 205

Albany, NY 12205

518-869-5552

www.hhk.com

jprout@hhk.com

Homestead Funding Corp.

8 Airline Drive

Albany, NY 12205 518-464-1100 x392

homesteadfunding.com

mholmes@homesteadfunding.com

In-House Media

5 Autumn Court Gansevoort, NY 12832

518-350-4991

www.mhfphoto.com

hello@mhfphoto.com

J Squared Home Inspections

518-669-1574

www.jsquaredhomeinspections.com

Jordan@jsquaredhomeinspections.com

Key Bank

66 South Pearl St Albany, NY

518-257-8602

www.key.com

harjit_m_earnest@keybank.com

La Voie Insurance

440 3rd Ave

Watervliet, NY 12189

518-526-8043

lavoieinsurance.com

dlavoie@lavoieinsurance.com

M&T Bank

313 Ushers Rd Ballston Lake, NY 12019

518-221-1145

www.mtb.com

lmurphy2@mtb.com

Maple Tree Funding

1202 Troy Schenectady Rd, Bldg 3 Latham, NY 12110

518-782-1202

www.mapletreefunding.com

slatza@mapletreefunding.com

Meri Light Photography, Inc.

227 Kingsley Rd

Burnt Hills, NY 12027

518-754-1077

merilightphotography.com

Meri@Merilightphotography.com

Metzwood Insurance

300 Great Oaks Blvd, Suite 300 Albany, NY 12203

518-392-5161

www.metzwood.com

matt@metzwood.com

Movement Mortgage

120 West Ave, Ste 206

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-368-4404

www.theannasmithteam.com

anna.smith@movement.com

Navy Federal Credit Union

24 Sailfish Dr

Groton, CT 06340

www.navyfederal.org

brienne_ramos-dupuis@navyfederal.org

NBT Bank

52 Broad St

Norwich, NY 13815

315-505-6572

www.nbtbank.com

aleo@nbtbank.com

NEST Environmental, LLC

863 Route 212 Saugerties, NY 12477 845-853-4840

www.nestpp.com

jslater@celticiaq.com

Premium Mortgage

931 New Loudon Rd Latham, NY 12110 201-638-9804

premiummortgage.com

kkamber@premiummortgage.com

RE Tech Academy

517-214-3333

retechacademy.com

todd@retechacademy.com

Salerno Law, PC 16 Round Lake Rd

Ballston Lake, NY 12019 518-309-3404

salernolawny.com

kim@salernolawny.com

Saratoga Community Federal Credit Union

23 Division Street

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-583-2323 x123

www.saratogafcu.org

lmccoy@saratogafcu.org

GCAR AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Saratoga National Bank & Trust Co.

171 Broadway

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-745-1000 x2921

www.saratgonational.com

joy.rodriguez@arrowbank.com

SEFCU Mortgage Services

700 Patroon Creek Blvd. Ste 301 Albany, NY 12206

518-369-4815

www.sefcu.com

mmoolick@sefcu.com

Sunmark Credit Union 1187 Troy Schenectady Rd Latham, NY 12110

518-730-9070

www.sunmark.org

eloisa.behnke@sunmark.org

The Dust Busters PO Box 4521

Clifton Park, NY 12065

518-728-7394

paula.dustbusters@gmail.com

The Mortgage Place

646 Plank Road, Suite 102 Clifton Park, NY 12065

518-982-0480 x102

www.themortgageplaceinc.com

jrussell@themortgageplaceinc.com

The Reis Group

8 Stanley Circle, Suite #4 Latham, NY 12110

518-266-9966

reisinsurance.com

cgranger@reisinsurance.com

The

500 New Karner Rd Albany, NY 12205

Wallace Turner Law, LLP

134 Central Ave

Albany, NY 12206

518-309-3404

www.wallaceturnerlaw.com

rturner@wallaceturnerlaw.com

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 43 N. Plank Rd Newburgh, NY 12550 845-440-2302

www.wellsfargo.com

michael.waters@wellsfargo.com

WELCOME

NEW GCAR MEMBERS

REALTOR® PRINCIPAL BROKER

Alliance Realty

Thomas Atkin

Brian Neary Realty

Brian T. Neary

Burns Management

Michael Sollohub

IRE Investments

Steven Tomaso

Karten Real Estate Services LLC

Mark Karten

Northern Living Properties LLC

Timothy R. Shevy

Redway Realty LLC

Anthony Redway

Subick Exquisite Homes Realty

Rishee Subick

Tech Valley Realty Group LLC

Shawn Pepe

Tibbits & Co Realty

Trent Tibbitts

REALTOR® NON-PRINCIPAL

Berkshire Hathaway Blake

Joseph Gioeni

Natalie Pinkham

Kristen Raffensperger

BlueBird Commercial Real Estate

Subhash Modasra

Burns Management

Christopher Henry

Core Real Estate Team

Andrew Casey-Wagemaker

Qin Lin

Karl Philip Meehan

Kathryn Sutliff

Coldwell Banker Prime Properties

Bruce Bartolotto

Gregory Bern

Zelfena Harripersaud

James Novotny

Thea Resila

eXp Realty

Ashley Warrington

Field Realty

Amal Thomas

Gabler Realty LLC

Krystal Hannigan

Howard Hanna

Karian Deno

Shyanna Logan

Hunt ERA

Shue Chen

Samantha Bond

Jenn Khan Realty LLC

Megan Yankannah

Jandali Realty

Devon Nicole-Gratton

Keller Williams Capital District

Daniel John Delaney

Stephan Gray

Evan Guidilli

Kymani Kewsi Reid-Hernandez

Danielle West

Krutz Properties LLC

Brenda Jean Phillips

Miranda Real Estate Group

Lisa DeRose

Laura Ivey Teagan Marshall

MJJ Realty

Ming Ng

NAI Platform LLC

Jaiwanti Loaknauth

NY ICON Group LLC

Erin Marzilli

The People’s Real Estate Group

Usama Noor

Abdul Wasey

Renovo Real Estate

Kathryn Lohman-Pangburn

Roohan Realty

Laura Creazzo

Rossi Real Estate Services LLC

Dustin Cogswell

Spinnaker Realty Sales LLC

Hunter Monds

Tailored Real Estate Group

Tyler Beecher

Venture Realty Partners

Stefanie Cortese

Christopher Pratt

Weichert Realtors Fontaine & Assoc

Munir Hoteky

Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®

Housing discrimination? Not in our house.

If recent events have taught us anything, it’s this: we have more work to do. Racism is real, tragically so. Discrimination, in all its forms, still casts a long shadow in this country, and too many are being denied the opportunities that all Americans deserve. Our commitment to the diverse communities we serve starts with a Code of Ethics. Our code sets a higher standard for fairness in housing than any federal law, it’s backed by a culture of member accountability, and it extends to our work on Capitol Hill, where we continue to advocate for meaningful change.

At the National Association of REALTORS® we believe that fairness is worth fighting for, and we won’t stop until the fight is won. Because that’s who we are.

If you experience or witness discrimination in real estate, we urge you to report it. Visit hud.gov/fairhousing to file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development.