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 on 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.
EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN REAL ESTATE
Finally, the days are getting longer, the sun is higher, and light is returning – hello, spring!
As spring unfolds, we are reminded of renewal, growth, and fresh opportunities. The real estate market comes alive this time of year, with buyers and sellers eager to make their next move. But beyond the excitement of increased market activity, April holds special significance in our industry—it’s Fair Housing Month, a time to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to equal housing opportunities for all.
The Fair Housing Act, signed into law in April 1968, remains a cornerstone of our industry. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Yet, fair housing is more than a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative that defines who we are as real estate professionals. Our responsibility is not just to comply but to advocate— to ensure that every client, neighbor, and community member is treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
As we enter the spring market, we must be mindful of implicit biases that can unknowingly shape interactions. Whether through the language we use in listings, how
we present options to clients, or the guidance we provide, we must remain vigilant in upholding the principles of fair housing.
At GCAR, we are committed to providing our members with education, tools, and resources to promote fair and equitable housing practices. This spring, I encourage every real estate professional to refresh their knowledge, attend a fair housing training, review your brokerage’s policies, and engage in conversations about diversity and inclusion.
Spring represents new beginnings; in real estate, that means new opportunities to create thriving, diverse, and inclusive communities. Let’s ensure that every client who dreams of homeownership can achieve it—without barriers, without bias, and with the full support of a profession dedicated to fairness.
Happy spring, and let’s continue to make a difference together.
Melissa Woodcock 2025 GCAR President
R stands for REALTOR®. REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®.
NAR’s consumer ad campaign tells the REALTOR® story— who REALTORS® are and the value you bring to clients and communities.
Leverage award-winning campaign assets on NAR’s Photofy app and at ThatsWhoWeR.realtor
GLOBAL MLS NEWS
New “Comp Only” Listing Status for “Sold Before” Listings
In February, Global MLS introduced a new required field under the Main Listing tab. This field, labeled “Comp Only,” defaults to “No.”
If you are entering a “Sold Before” listing in the MLS, you must update this field to “Yes.” Selecting “Yes” ensures:
• The listing will not be distributed via emails, subscriptions, or notifications.
• The listing is assigned the correct status, giving proper credit to the listing agent and brokerage.
• The listing remains available for searches and CMAs.
Changes to Concession Fields
Following guidance from NAR and local legal counsel, Global MLS has consolidated the two concession fields into a single field: “Concessions Amount.” This change reduces potential liability for both MLS members and the organization.
Updates to Rules and Regulations
Several updates have been made to the Global MLS Rules and Regulations this year. The latest version, Global MLS Rules & Regulations (1-30-25), is available to members on the Flexmls Intranet. Key changes are highlighted in red on pages one and two.
GCAR Community Relations Committee Donates
to TAUM
GCAR donated funds to the Troy Area United Ministries. In partnership with interfaith communities and others, Troy Area United Ministries provides a safe and just space for those in need, offering meals, HIV/AIDS services, furniture, education, spiritual counseling, and advocacy.
2025 NYSREEF Scholarship Recipients
The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation recently announced the award of $11,240 in scholarships at the NYSAR virtual business meetings. These scholarships are made possible through the generous funding received from NYSAR, Local boards, and REALTOR® members, who are committed to delivering excellent service to today’s consumers. We are pleased to announce that two scholarships were awarded to GCAR members totaling $525. The recipients are Ira Bethea and Marisa Multari.
Sympathies are extended to...
GCAR member Scott Varley for the passing of his father, Richard Varley, on February 12, 2025.
DATES TO REMEMBER
April 29
Lobby Day
Empire State Plaza
May 15
Bowling for RPAC Kingpins Alley Latham
May 31–June 5
NAR Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo
Washington, DC
October 30
GCAR Trade Show
Saratoga City Center
November 20
GCAR Annual Meeting
For additional information, visit GCAR.com/events
The friends and family of former GCAR member Jill Bryce upon her passing on February 27, 2025. Jill was a licensed salesperson with Bryce Real Estate.
KEY POLICY UPDATES AND MORE
By Connor Gillis Government Affairs Rep, NYSAR
NYSAR’s 2025 Lobby Day Registration Is Open
NYSAR’s annual Lobby Day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, at the Convention Center in the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany. Join your fellow REALTORS® from across the Empire State to advocate in front of your lawmakers and discuss real estate-related priorities that matter in your area and across the state. Lobby Day is a free event, and travel reimbursement is available.
RPAC of New York will also host a “Lobby Day PreGame” fundraiser on Monday, April 28, from 5:309 p.m. at Apex Sports & Entertainment at Crossgates Mall in Albany. The event costs $210, and attendees will enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade games, a complete dinner buffet in a private room, and two drink coupons per person. Proceeds from the event will benefit RPAC, and the registration deadline is April 18. For more information and to register, visit nysar.com.
State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council Drops Home Fire Sprinkler Mandate
On Friday, February 28, the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council voted to advance an updated Uniform Code, which sets minimum standards for building construction in New York. Among the proposals included in the initial draft Code was a requirement that all new one- and two-family residential construction be installed with an automatic fire sprinkler system. In response, NYSAR quickly engaged Governor Hochul’s administration and state lawmakers to oppose the overly restrictive measure as it would make home buying even less affordable across the state. Following a months-long public campaign and REALTOR® action, the Code Council removed the mandate to require automatic fire sprinkler systems in new one- and two-family home construction.
State Senators Propose Scaling Back New
Climate Laws
York’s
Republican State Senators have introduced a package of bills that would delay certain aspects of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and study the costs associated with the transition from fossil fuels. The legislation reflects concerns with rising utility bills and the state requirement for all new construction to be all-electric beginning in 2026.
State Lawmakers Introduce Workaround Bill to Ease Adoption of Local Rent Control Measures
Legislation has been introduced (S.4659/A.4877) that would authorize towns, villages, and cities outside of New York City to bypass the criteria necessary to declare a housing emergency and adopt local rent control measures. The bill would remove the requirement for municipalities to conduct a rental vacancy study and prove that vacancy rates are 5 percent or below before being able to impose local rent control regulations. NYSAR opposes the imposition of local “good cause” and rent control policies, which discourage new housing development and place a disproportionate financial burden on small property owners.
DEFEATED PROPOSALS
Legislation that would have eliminated dual agency in the state
Legislation that would have prohibited landlords from collecting a rental broker fee from tenants
Legislation that would have required all sellers of residential real property to provide a lead paint hazard test to a buyer or tenant before a transaction or lease
Legislation that would have required all real estate licensees to request, collect, and retain personal demographic data on clients and submit it to DOS annually
Legislation that would have authorized any city or town in the state to create a new real estate transfer tax to provide revenue for a community housing fund
RPAC REPORT
Since 1969, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) has promoted the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. The purpose of RPAC is clear: voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® are used to help elect candidates who understand and support their interests. These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of the importance of the political process. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee and other political fundraising are the keys to protecting and promoting the real estate industry.
GCAR Celebrates RPAC Achievements at NYSAR Mid-Winter Meetings
GCAR proudly congratulates Susan Sommers of Howard Hanna on her induction into the NYSAR RPAC Hall of Fame! Recognized for her outstanding commitment, Susan has contributed $15,000 in lifetime support to RPAC. A past president of GCAR and a multiple-time RPAC chair, her leadership continues to make a lasting impact.
GCAR was also honored with the prestigious 2024 Crystal Apple Award for jumbo-sized boards, recognizing the highest RPAC participation rate among similarly sized associations. This achievement underscores GCAR’s dedication to advocacy and member engagement.
Congratulations to Susan and the entire GCAR community for these well-earned honors!
42,889 (51%)
Club: $250 - $499
- $999
Every April, REALTORS® commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and reflect on housing discrimination and segregation, past and present. As community leaders, real estate professionals have an opportunity to be a part of equitable and inclusive change. Fair Housing Month signifies a recommitment to advancing equitable opportunities and expanding homeownership.
Reflect. Repair. Renew. Because That’s Who We R®.
What is the Fair Housing Act and what does it cover?
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act), prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing related transactions, because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, national origin, and disability.
In “Office of General Counsel Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records by Providers of Housing and Real EstateRelated Transactions”, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) urges housing providers to exercise caution when implementing criminal history policies or practices used to make housing decisions.
Why is fair housing so important for REALTORS®?
The Fair Housing Act generally prohibits five different types of discrimination in the sale and rental of housing:
• To refuse to sell or rent, or to otherwise make unavailable, a dwelling because of a person’s membership in a protected class
• Discrimination in the terms, conditions or privileges of a sale or rental of housing, or in the provision of services in connection with same
• Use of advertising that expresses a preference for or against certain persons because of their membership in a particular protected class
• Representations that a dwelling is not available for sale or rent, when in fact the dwelling is available
• Attempts to induce a person to sell or rent a dwelling by referring to the prospective entry of persons of a particular race, color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap or familial status
In addition to prohibiting specific practices involving the sale or rental of dwellings, the Fair Housing Act also prohibits redlining, including discrimination in financing and insuring of housing, as well as discrimination in access to other services, organizations, or facilities that relate to the business of selling or renting dwellings. To learn more about how real estate professionals can comply with the Fair Housing Act, download this free chapter of Real Estate Brokerage Essentials.
What are the penalties for violating the Fair Housing Act?
Noncompliance with fair housing laws is a risk that responsible real estate professionals simply cannot assume as a cost of doing business. A person who believes they are a victim of a discriminatory housing practice may bring an action directly in federal court and recover actual and punitive damages, as well as reasonable attorney fees and costs. In addition, an aggrieved person may file a complaint with HUD, which may bring an administrative proceeding against the respondent. As of March 25th, 2024, a person may be assessed a civil penalty of up to $25,597 for their first violation of the Fair Housing Act. The maximum penalty increases to $63,991 for a person who violated the Fair Housing Act in the previous five years, and violating the Fair Housing Act two or more times in the previous seven years brings a maximum fine of $127,983. Monetary damages, attorney fees and costs, and civil penalties are in addition to the significant reputational damage that a real estate professional can suffer for engaging in discriminatory practices.
Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission.
Create Advertisements with Fair Housing in Mind
Advertising your services to a broad audience helps your business succeed, but intentionally or unintentionally creating discriminatory advertisements can not only harm your business, but also your reputation. It’s imperative that real estate professionals ensure their advertisements comply with the Fair Housing Act, and do not express a preference for certain characteristics or exclude individuals based on a protected class. An advertisement should not express, for example, a preference for buyers or renters that do not have children or a requirement that clients speak English.
Keep in mind that the Fair Housing Act’s definition of advertising is broad, and includes almost everything written or verbal that relates to the provision of real estate-related services. Items such as online advertisements, newspaper advertisements, brochures, pictures, TV or radio ads, and speech will fall within the Fair Housing Act’s prohibition on discriminatory advertising. This prohibition extends to housing that may be otherwise afforded an exemption from other fair housing obligations, such as owner-occupied housing or multifamily housing with four or fewer units.
Before you create your next advertisement, incorporate these best practices to keep your advertisements in compliance with the Fair Housing Act:
• Focus on the property and its amenities, not on your “ideal” buyer or renter.
• Do not make statements that have the effect of excluding individuals of a protected class from your advertising initiative.
• Avoid restricting your advertisements from only reaching certain individuals or audiences by, for example, using platform features that allow advertisers to restrict who sees the advertisements based on certain characteristics like race, religion or age.
• If you use pictures of people in your advertisements, make sure the advertisement includes individuals reflective of the population in the area where the advertisement is placed.
• Include the phrase “Equal Housing Opportunity” or the fair housing logo in your advertisements. Not only will this signify your commitment to fair housing to your audience, but HUD will also consider this language when determining your fair housing compliance efforts.
• Be familiar with applicable local and state fair housing that may afford even broader protections.
Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission.
LUNCH & LEARN
FAIR HOUSING AND ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
Attendees will learn how everyday business practices can be discriminatory and how to practice real estate without discrimination.
MEETS DOS REQUIREMENT FOR FAIR HOUSING
April 3, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
SPONSORED BY CLEARPATH MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS REGISTER
GCAR Training Center
Mindful Approach to Implicit Bias and DEI
This course explains the science behind a mindful approach to Implicit Bias, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Emotional Intelligence will be discussed, and techniques will be practiced to allow agents to identify and modify behavior to ensure all are treated fairly during real estate transactions.
Meets DOS requirements for Implicit Bias
April 11, 2025 REGISTER
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom
Connecting and Communicating Across Cultures
Connecting and communicating across cultures helps expand your business and create a more inclusive homeownership community. By understanding your own cultural beliefs and recognizing differences in others, you can learn from and respect diverse perspectives. This not only strengthens your professional relationships but also enriches your personal growth.
Meets DOS requirements for Cultural Competency
April 11, 2025
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Zoom
New Fair Housing Training Requirement
Starting this year, all National Association of REALTORS® members will be required to complete approved fair housing training in sync with the threeyear Code of Ethics cycle from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027. You can satisfy this requirement online at no cost with Fairhaven 2.0, NAR’s innovative fair housing education requirement.
“NAR is raising the bar. Fairhaven goes beyond compliance to help members learn how to advocate for clients who experience housing discrimination,” says Alexia Smokler, NAR director of fair housing policy and programs.
“No consumer should miss out on a housing opportunity because of who they are. NAR is equipping members to stand up for clients and help build diverse, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.”
The Power of Professional Development in Real Estate
When clients hire a REALTOR®, they expect more than just someone to open doors and draft contracts—they want an expert who understands the complexities of a real estate transaction. Professional development is what separates an average agent from a top-tier real estate professional.
Like doctors, lawyers, and engineers, real estate professionals should continuously enhance their knowledge through classroom training, online courses, conferences, mentorship, and in-depth research. A REALTOR® who invests in education demonstrates their commitment to excellence and stands out as a trusted advisor in the industry.
Earning specialized designations—whether in buyer or seller representation, senior markets, short sales, or land development—signals to clients that you have undergone rigorous training to better serve their needs. Imagine sitting in a listing appointment and confidently explaining how your expertise in ethics, historical homes, or technology marketing makes you the best choice for the job. That level of knowledge builds trust and positions you as a leader in your field.
Ultimately, ongoing education leads to well-rounded, knowledgeable REALTORS® who can navigate transactions with confidence and professionalism.
WANT TO STAY AHEAD?
Check out GCAR’s education calendar at www.gcar.com and take the next step in your professional growth.
GCAR AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Use this directory as a resource for products and services. Affiliates join monthly, so check each issue for updates. You can also search the online affiliate directory by visiting GCAR.com/affiliate-members.
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® NON-PRINCIPAL
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Blake, REALTORS
Patrico Tyrell
Jolianis Alvarado Reyes
Bethea Realty
Natisha Alexander
Blue House Companies
Ming King
Burns Management
Jillian Ferrara
Morgan Rivette
Capital Region Preferred Prop LLC
Jenna Golas
Coldwell Banker Prime Properties
Kelly Krohn
Core Real Estate Team
Trevor Telisky
Crystal Coleman Realty LLC
Paige Amsler
Dufek Real Estate Group, LLC
Bryhn Ugalde
eXp Realty
Alexa Cain
Jeffrey Engel
Samuel Swanson
Four Star Realty Group Inc
Shania Ruszlhowski
Heer Realty, Inc.
Albert Scardera
Howard Hanna
Timothy Staples
Michael Conway
Matthew Mitchell
Howard Hanna Capital Inc.
Basia Hinton
Jennifer Lafleur
Hunt ERA
Alexandra Molina
Jandali Realty
Ishaq Abdul Qayoom
Katina M. Terrault
Nicole Fuller
KW Platform
Yuanyuan Bai
Kiernan Aery
Katie Bliss
Sean Koetzner
Janan Bergen
Venesa West
Rachel Witkop
Janiece Padilla
Abigail Sanjurjo
Rodney Waithe
Jessica Skinner
Christopher Jung
Lisa J. Hunter
William Hunter
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc
Sarah Belanger
Neudecker Realty
Emaleigh Peckham
NH Capital Realty
Joshua Abossey
NY ICON Group LLC
Genine Gullickson
Oxford Property Group USA
Grace Bellinger
Benjamin Cummings
Premier Homes Elite Realty LLC
Matthew Korkemaz
Real Broker NY LLC
Steven Barker
Darlene Phillips
Realty One Group Key
Daniel Nelson
Renovo Real Estate
Abigail Kazanjian
Roohan Realty
Sharoon Gill
Kevin Stupplebeen
Saratoga Real Estate Assoc LLC
Meaghan Prieto
Saratoga Spa Realty
Matthew Zelezniak
Signature One Realty Grp, LLC
Ali Caruso
Jennifer Matteo
Sinkoff Realty Group
Shanatia Bygrave
Amanda O’Leary
Kristi DiDonna
THOMAS R MORGAN
Thomas Morgan
Triple Crown Real Estate Assoc
Jacob Poffenbarger
Jason Majestic
Vera Cohen Realty, LLC
Marc Smallwood
Weichert, Realtors - Tri-City Properties
Quinnasha Johnson
Join fellow REALTORS® from across the state to advocate for such important NYSAR legislative priorities like:
• Assisting for First Time Homebuyers
• Requiring Buyer Representation Agreements
• Opposing Further Expansion of Rent Control
• Supporting the Creation of Increased Housing Supply This will be a prime opportunity to speak to your lawmakers about important issues impacting REALTORS® and the real estate profession. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served.
your local board to arrange meetings with your lawmakers. Please register at www.nysar.com/lobbydayreg/
