Across the Association Jan/Feb 2024 by GCAR-ATA

Across the Association

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER CAPITAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

JAN/FEB 2024 Meet the Leadership Team Economic Forecast Legislative Update

REAL ESTATE LEGAL SERVICES Residential & Commercial Serving the Capital Region for more than 40 years!

Trusted Affiliate Member of

TLF represents buyers, sellers, businesses, banks, and commercial & residential lenders.

Representative Services: Purchase, sale, and leasing of residential and commercial properties Drafting and reviewing residential and commercial contracts Title examination and title insurance Shalini Natesan, Esq.

Chain of title disputes Boundary line and survey issues Zoning and Planning Board applications and appeals Advising on business succession planning

STREAMLINE THE CLOSING PROCESS FOR YOUR CLIENTS.

(518) 452-1800 500 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 (Headquarters) info@townelaw.com

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

2 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

GCAR.COM

Across the Association

VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 1 | JAN/FEB 2024

FEATURES 2024 Leadership Team

Laura Burns, CEO OFFICERS Kathleen Sullivan, President Melissa Woodcock, President-Elect Kirsten Blanchard, Secretary-Treasurer DIRECTORS 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 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.

12 Economic Forecast

14 ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP

With the President............................. 4

Benefits................................................20

What’s Happening.............................. 5

Affiliate Members.............................22

Upcoming Events............................... 7 Education............................................17

ADVERTISERS

Global MLS..........................................18

Arnoff Moving & Storage...............21 NYSAR...................................................24

ADVOCACY

The Towne Law Firm, P.C.................. 2

Legislative Update...........................10 RPAC Report.......................................11

ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 3

WITH THE PRESIDENT

UNLOCKING POSSIBILITIES: GCAR’S COMMITMENT TO YOUR SUCCESS IN 2024 with over 100 free classes offered annually, and engage in various networking opportunities at installation ceremonies, mixer events, and the annual Trade Show, along with the invaluable benefits of legislative advocacy. Our leadership is committed to addressing The challenges faced in 2023, both professional standards, mediation, locally in the Capital Region and and arbitration issues that may arise. nationwide, were unprecedented and left a lasting impact on the As your advocates on local, state, real estate landscape. The intricate and national platforms, we strive interplay of various factors has to give you and your clients a reshaped our industry’s expectations robust voice on matters impacting and predictions and informed homeownership. GCAR’s mission is to empower members with speculations about 2024. programs and services that enhance Being a part of GCAR means you’re their ability to conduct business not navigating these complexities competently and ethically, foster alone. The decision to be a GCAR cooperation among members, and member comes with a multitude uphold the public’s right to own, of benefits. Make the most of your use, and transfer real property. membership by staying informed through attendance at GCAR’s membership meetings and events Kathleen Sullivan throughout the year. Stay ahead I am truly honored and grateful for your trust in me to lead as your 2024 GCAR President. The upcoming year promises to be one of productivity and growth for our association, encompassing the diverse interests of our 3,800 members.

2024 GCAR President

4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

GCAR.COM

WHAT’S HAPPENING GCAR Volunteer Reception On November 30th, GCAR held a reception at the Crowne Plaza-Desmond Hotel to honor and thank the members who volunteered their time to the association throughout 2023.

ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 5

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year As 2023 came to a close, the Community Relations Committee members adopted two families from St. Paul’s Center in Rensselaer for the holidays. Committee members purchased clothing, toys, housewares, and gift cards to help brighten the season for the adopted families. Many thanks to Brenda Larkin, Chris Glogowski, Dave Lavoie, Diane Sluus (Chair, Community Relations Committee), Dom Indelicato, Ginny O’Brien, Jonie Civill, Judy Kaiser, Karen Cahill, Melissa Petalas, and Toni Curley for their generosity and support for these families in our region. The beautiful gifts will surely put a smile on the faces of the recipients.

Committee members also baked a variety of wonderful cookies for 50 residents of a shelter in Albany. On December 15, the committee packaged an assortment of cookies in festive bags, and they were delivered to DePaul Housing for distribution to those in need. Thank you for your Kindness and Generosity!

GCAR thanks all of you who donated bedding for the local chapter of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” an organization that builds beds for children who do not have one of their own. When beds are delivered to a home, they also receive a new mattress and bedding. The chapter was thrilled to receive the donations from the GCAR membership to help in this critical endeavor. Many thanks to the Community Relations Committee for a job well done this year!

Sympathies are extended to... The friends and family of Lisa Licata of Sterling Real Estate Group upon the passing of her mother, Rose Marie Licata, on November 23, 2023. The friends and family of Theresa Medici of Sterling Real Estate Group upon her passing on December 13, 2023.

6 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

GCAR.COM

Congratulations to the GCAR members who have been appointed to serve on NAR committees Miguel Berger MLS Technology and Emerging Issues Advisory Board Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee

Kathleen Sullivan Board of Directors Professional Development Committee

Jennifer Vucetic Public Policy Coordinating Committee Single Family Investment Management Committee Smart Growth Advisory Board State and Local Issues Policy Committee Sustainability Advisory Group

The REALTOR® Difference As a REALTOR®, you know the value you bring to your clients and communities every day. The difference is real when working with a REALTOR® versus a non-member agent, and it’s important for consumers to understand that distinction. While NAR’s “That’s Who We R” ad campaign tells your story through paid advertising, consumers should also learn it from you, and in a consistent way. That’s why NAR has developed language to help you and every member of the National Association of REALTORS® succinctly and consistently articulate the REALTOR® difference.

DATES TO REMEMBER February 4-8 NYSAR Mid-Winter Business Meetings Crowne Plaza Albany – Desmond Hotel February 19 President’s Day GCAR and Global MLS Offices Closed March 6 GCAR Installation of Officers & Directors Renaissance Albany Hotel April 30 Lobby Day Empire State Plaza May 4–9 NAR Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo Washington, DC October 10 GCAR Trade Show Crowne Plaza Albany – Desmond Hotel For additional information, visit GCAR.com/events

Sign in to access marketing materials to share on social, on your website, in your bios, and in your emails. Distinguish yourself by sharing the value of the REALTOR® brand which unites us. Access The REALTOR® Difference Here >>

ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 7

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

SHIFT IN HOUSING MANDATES, ADVOCACY FOR ‘NY HEAT’ ACT, AND FEDERAL NFIP FUNDING By Connor Gillis Government Affairs Rep, NYSAR

Governor Hochul drops housing growth mandates in 2024 agenda Governor Hochul has said she will not pursue legislation mandating housing growth targets across the state when releasing her 2024 agenda in January. The proposal was the centerpiece of her “New York Housing Compact,” which she outlined at the start of 2023. Housing policy is still expected to remain part of the governor’s 2024 agenda to support her pledge to build 800,000 new housing units over the next decade, including a push for replacing the expired 421a affordable housing tax abatement program. Lawmakers continue to urge passage of “NY HEAT” Act Backers of a measure to begin phasing out the state’s gas system continue to pressure Gov. Kathy Hochul to include the bill in her executive budget. More than 90 local elected officials sent a letter to the governor backing “NY HEAT” on Wednesday. The legislation would cap energy bills for lowincome customers at 6 percent of their income, end subsidies for new gas hookups, end gas utilities’ obligation to serve new customers, and set up a pathway to electrify entire neighborhoods. 8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Congress extends funding for NFIP to February 2024 The federal government funding bill passed by the Senate Wednesday extends funding of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through February 2, 2024, without any reforms until early next year. Funding for the NFIP was set to expire on November 17, absent action taken by Congress. Thank you to all New York REALTORS® who participated in the Call for Action calling on Congress to extend this critical funding for the NFIP. City of Albany Common Council Approves Funding for Vacancy Study The City of Albany Common Council approved $75,000 in funding for a vacancy study to determine whether the City can opt-in to the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA) and adopt rent control. For a municipality to opt into the ETPA, it must conduct a vacancy study and determine its vacancy rate. If the vacancy rate is 5% or below, a municipality can declare a housing emergency and form a rent guidelines board to determine rent prices. The ETPA only affects buildings with six or more units built before 1974. The City anticipates finishing its vacancy study in the first half of 2024. GCAR.COM

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 ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 9

Why do you need my money? BECAUSE FIGHTING FOR REALTORS® AND PROPERTY RIGHTS IS A CONSTANT BATTLE! RPAC PLAYED A ROLE IN THE FOLLOWING: ENACTED LAWS

DEFEATED PROPOSALS

New York’s 2-percent Property Tax Cap New York’s STAR Property Tax Relief New York’s prohibition on private transfer fees National Flood Insurance Program Federal homebuyer tax credits

To prohibit REALTORS® from practicing real estate outside their home county To prohibit broker-prepared contracts To require a 20-percent down payment To require real estate license number to appear on every document at closing

Please, take my money! GCAR.COM/INVEST QUESTIONS? TALKTOUS@GCAR.COM

REALTOR PARTY Mobile Alerts

TEXT REALTORS TO 30644

Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your state reaches its RPAC goal, 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S. C. 441a; after the state PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.

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.

2023 RPAC SUCCESS!

We are pleased to announce that we exceeded our 2023 RPAC fundraising goal of $83,246. GCAR members contributed a total of $84,137 reflecting 101 percent of our 2023 fundraising goal. In terms of participation, we saw a 9.8 percent increase over 2022. 1,021 members invested in RPAC, representing 26 percent of the membership. The 2023 participation goal was 29 percent. Thank you to all who contributed to RPAC. It is your best investment in real estate.

2024 RPAC GOALS Fundraising $83,246 Participation 1,311

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

ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 11

GCAR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Kathleen Sullivan Keller Williams Capital District GCAR President

Melissa Woodcock Staged Nest Real Estate GCAR President – Elect

With over 40 years in real estate, Kathleen is an associate broker at Keller Williams Capital District. As a Certified Buyer Representative and Certified Residential Specialist, she specializes in residential, new construction, and condo sales. Kathleen participates in the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and is a Eucharistic Minister for St. Stephen’s Church in Delmar. In 2016, following appointments to the GCAR Grievance and Trade Show committees, Kathleen was appointed to the GCAR and NYSAR Boards of Directors, serving with the distinction that has brought her to the position she now holds as the 2024 GCAR President.

Currently the principal broker of Staged Nest Real Estate, the 2024 President-Elect began her real estate career in 2005. In addition to sales, Staged Nest performs professional staging throughout the Capital Region. Melissa holds the Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Buyers Rep, Certified New Home Specialist, Accredited Staging Professional, Accredited Fine Homes, and Relocation Specialist designations.

A lifelong Delmar resident, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren. Beyond real estate, she has been a Bethlehem Pop Warner board member and president, coaching soccer, football, cheerleading, and baseball in her spare time.

12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Beyond her professional endeavors, Melissa’s dedication to upholding ethical standards brought her to serve as a GCAR Grievance and Professional Standards Committee member in 2016 and 2017, preceding her appointment to the GCAR Board of Directors. A resident of the capital region since 1991, Melissa resides in Loudonville with her son and two dogs. Her interests span gardening, art, skiing, and yoga, for which she is a certified instructor.

GCAR.COM

DIRECTORS

Felton McLaughlin

Jennifer Mentiply

Lorenzo Murray

Michelle Poccia

Suzanne Prezio

Dan Shepard

Kathie Spangler

Linda Yetto

NAI Platform

Kirsten Nachbar Blanchard Coldwell Banker Prime Properties GCAR Secretary – Treasurer

Hunt ERA

Renovo Real Estate

Staged Nest Real Estate

A seasoned REALTOR®, Kirsten Nachbar Blanchard started her career in real estate in 1988 and obtained her associate broker’s license in 1997. She holds the esteemed Graduate Realtor® designation and is also a Certified Buyer Representative, holds the Senior Real Estate Sales and Accredited Buyer’s Rep designations, and attended Vermont College. An active GCAR member and Pinnacle Achievement recipient and manager with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, Kirsten has served 14 years on the GCAR Community Relations Committee with additional time given to participate on the Grievance and Trade Show Committees and the Bylaws Review Task Force. In 2019, Kirsten was tapped to join the GCAR Board of Directors, helping to chart the association’s future, and she never looked back. No stranger to volunteerism, Kirsten’s external community service is impressive. She has participated in organizations that include the Northeast Make-A-Wish Foundation, Bethlehem Senior Meals on Wheels, the Business Women’s Club, and the Capital Region Food Pantries.

Suzanne Prezio Properties

Julie & Co Realty

All in 1 Realty

Platform Realty Group

ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 13

NAR Market Forecast Pent-up Housing Demand By National Association of REALTORS® Research Group

that one in two renters already faces cost burdens.

End-of-year recap 2023: The “bottom-out” year This year has left many people feeling disappointed. After a year marked by a market slowdown, anticipation was high that 2023 would usher in a turning point for both the economy and the housing market. Nevertheless, despite a cooling inflationary environment, the economy faced additional challenges as the Federal Reserve implemented multiple interest-rate hikes throughout 2023. These rate increases-amounting to a cumulative one percentage point exerted further pressure on every kind of borrowing.

With many buyers forced out of the market, the housing market continued its second consecutive year of slowdown in 2023. Existing-home sales dipped below the 4-million-unit mark, reaching levels last seen in 2010. However, despite a reduced number of buyers, home prices kept increasing. The reason is obvious: there simply weren’t enough homes available for sale. Although housing inventory rose to above the 1.1 million homes available for sale in 2023, data shows that these additional homes weren’t enough to accommodate housing demand, albeit lower than the previous year.

Consequently, mortgage rates surpassed the 7.5 percent threshold for the first time after 23 years, pushing down housing affordability to record lows. While consumer prices continue to increase fast, Americans must spend more than 30% of their income to purchase a home. Buyers must earn over $110,000 if they don’t want to exceed their budget. In the meantime, the challenges for potential first-time buyers extend beyond mortgage rates as rents continue to rise. This exacerbates difficulties in saving for a down payment, particularly considering

But this isn’t a new issue. The current housing shortfall has been accumulating over decades. After the mid2000s housing boom, the U.S. has consistently underbuilt compared to the historical average. Furthermore, with mortgage rates hovering around 7 percent for most of the year, fewer homeowners opted to list their homes in 2023. This rate is nearly 1.7 percentage points higher than the average rate in 2022. Consequently, this longstanding under building issue and the rate lock-in effect continued to keep housing inventory low throughout the year.

2024 NAR Forecast EXISTING-HOME SALES

MEDIAN EXISTING HOME PRICE

30-YEAR FIXED MORTGAGE RATE

4.71 million

$389,500

6.3%

14 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

GCAR.COM

Outlook 2024: A better year for homebuyers Following two years of subdued activity, the housing market is expected to grow in 2024. Several signs point to an imminent market recovery. Firstly, the Federal Reserve has halted its interest rate hikes. Although interest rates continue to be substantially higher than pre-pandemic, the Federal Reserve hasn’t raised its rates since last August. In the meantime, history shows that inflation and interest rates tend to move in the same direction but with lags. Central banks usually lower interest rates when inflation falls to stimulate the economy. But, while inflation has been moving down since August 2022, interest rates have yet to follow the same downward trajectory. Thus, if inflation continues its downward trend, rates may start moving down as soon as in the first quarter of 2024.

the home-buying market. Thus, the decline in mortgage rates is expected to draw more buyers, including those returning to the market, consequently bolstering demand for housing. Data shows that with rates near 6.6 percent, the average American family can afford to purchase the median-priced home without allocating more than 30 percent of its income. Are rates going to move down that low in 2024? Yes, the National Association of REALTORS® expects rates to approach that level sometime in the second half of 2024. If this happens, it is estimated that nearly 4.5 million households will once again be able to afford the median priced home.

These lower mortgage rates will also ease the rate lockin effect by enticing more existing homeowners to reenter the market and list their homes. These pent-up sellers are expected to increase inventory next year. In addition, single family construction is poised to grow But lower interest rates translate to lower mortgage after experiencing a few years of decline. Nevertheless, rates. Mortgage rates have potentially peaked in 2023. even with this increase, the housing supply will continue After reaching 7.8 percent in the last week of October, to remain tight in 2024, further fueling home price rates are finally moving down. Even though mortgage appreciation. rates continue to be notably higher than the previous years, every 0.2 percent decrease in mortgage rates Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. enables approximately 950,000 households to re-enter Reprinted with permission.

HOUSING STARTS

SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING STARTS

MULTIFAMILY HOUSING STARTS

1.48 million

1.04 million

440,000 ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 15

gcar.theceshop.com

EDUCATION

Deadline Approaching: REALTORS® Must Complete NAR Code of Ethics Course by December 31, 2024 December 31, 2024, is the deadline for completing Does GCAR have proof of my ethics course? cycle 7 of the National Association of REALTORS® If a member took their ethics course through GCAR or our online partner, The CE Shop, then YES, we have code of ethics course requirement. your certificate of completion, and no work is required. REALTORS® are required to complete an ethics course of not less than 2 hours 30 minutes of instruction time If you are uncertain of your status, visit GCAR.com with or without continuing education (CE) credit. The and click ‘GCAR LOGIN’ to access member services. ethics course must meet specific learning objectives Choose ‘Member Education History’ then choose and criteria established by the National Association of ‘Personal Education Tracking.’ Under ‘Category,’ you will see ‘Cycle 7 2022-2024 Ethics Req’; the ‘status’ field REALTORS®. will say ‘completed’ if we have your certificate. Failure to complete training during any cycle will lead to suspension of membership for January and If the status field says pending, we either do not have February immediately following the cycle deadline, your ethics form or have not yet sent it to NAR. GCAR with termination of membership starting March 1 after pushes information to NAR monthly. As 2024 unfolds, we expect to receive many ethics certificates. Therefore, the cycle deadline. check your status the month following your submission GCAR will submit evidence to NAR indicating member to GCAR. If members have questions regarding this compliance if members took their ethics course at process, please call the office at 518-464-0191. GCAR or through The CE Shop. However, if members took their ethics course elsewhere, they must send their Upcoming Ethics Courses course completion certificate to aaddor@gcar.com, which will be sent to NAR. FEBRUARY 1 9am – 4pm GCAR will offer multiple course opportunities Providing a Positive Experience for the Consumer throughout 2024; check the GCAR Education Calendar for the most up-to-date class schedule.

FEBRUARY 13 9am – 12:30pm Elevating Professionalism APRIL 30 1pm – 4pm Code of Ethics: Under All is the Land

TO REGISTER, VISIT GCAR.COM/CALENDAR

ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 17

EMBRACING INNOVATION

As we usher in 2024, it’s a good time to reflect on the technological shifts Global MLS members have enthusiastically – for the most part - adopted, underscoring your dedication to remaining at the forefront of the real estate industry. Navigating new tools and industry shifts demands more attention, focus, and a concerted effort, knowing that the outcomes will surpass your previous business benchmarks. Here’s a recap of some of the changes Global MLS worked with our vendors to deliver to you in 2023: 1. Vendor Services Updates: Authentisign, CRS, and HomesPro.com made system-wide improvements to user capabilities and the MLS interface.

7. Collaboration with ShowingTime: InfoSparks and Offer Manager were introduced, bolstering members’ analytical capabilities. 8. Resolution of Service Issues: Continuous reviews and resolutions attained on issues between the Global MLS service and vendors, ensuring seamless operations. 9. API Data Feed Transition: API data feed transitions were completed to streamline data flow to and from syndicators, member websites, and the MLS. 10. Combatting Cyber Scams: Identifying and disseminating information on cyber scams and local incidents safeguarded members against potential fraud.

2. Regulatory Alignment: The Global MLS Rules and 11. Data Cleanup Initiatives: Ongoing initiatives focus on eradicating inaccurate data in GMLS. Regulations continue to be reviewed and updated to ensure industry relevance, RESO compliance, As the second-largest MLS in New York State and in the and uniformity across all brokerages. top 100 nationally, the Global MLS remains committed 3. Forms and Training: Members benefited from to progress, simplicity, and standardization. Applause updated forms and corresponding training classes. is extended to all members for your input throughout 4. Property Classification and Fields Update: Sub- the year. Special acknowledgment goes to the Global property types and fields were revised to enhance MLS leadership, which steered the direction, and to the RESO compliance, leading to more effective Global MLS staff for their exceptional teamwork and dedication to providing all members with swift, sound exposure on syndicator sites. support throughout the year. 5. Improved Input Fields: Enhancements made to input fields for better comprehension and viewing ease. 6. Introduction of New Products: Members gained access to innovative tools like RE-Target, Earnnest, and partnerships with Dotloop and Bhumio.

18 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

GCAR.COM

2024 GLOBAL MLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Marie Bettini

Vice President Jay Christiana

Secretary-Treasurer Kendal Baker

Director Tim Charbonneau

Director Jeff Knox

Director Brian Miranda

Director Victoria Romeo

Director Liz Schultheiss

Director Marc Weiss

Albany Realty Group

Coldwell Banker Prime Properties

Romeo Team Realty

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Sterling Real Estate Group

Howard Hanna

Marker’s Octagon Realty

Miranda Real Estate Group

Keller Williams Capital District ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 19

GCAR Member Benefits The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® strives to provide its members with programs and services that enhance their ability to conduct their business competently and ethically and promote the public’s right to use and transfer real property.

MARKET STATISTICS AND TRENDS Keep your clients in the know and your business relevant! You’ll find the latest market statistics at gcar.com/market-stats.

FREE EDUCATION As a member, you enjoy FREE classes! Find classes at gcar.com/education.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Activities, events, and programs bring together members connected to the industry. Find events at gcar.com/events.

AFFILIATE PROGRAM Our Affiliate Members underwrite GCAR events, keeping costs to members reasonable and sometimes free.

ADVOCACY AND ACTION RPAC fights for real estate interests and the rights of property owners.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ETHICS You and your clients may file ethics complaints, mediation, and/or arbitration requests without going to court.

20 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

GCAR.COM

Live your best life with financial wellness. Whatever feeling fine means to you, planning for your financial well-being can help you achieve it. Make sense of your money and be proactive in your planning with tools from NAR’s Center for REALTOR® Financial Wellness. Find your financial wellness today at FinancialWellness.realtor!

SAVE THE DATE

GCAR

Local Long-Distance Worldwide

MOVING PACKING STORAGE

Installation MARCH

6 PM

RENAISSANCE HOTEL - ALBANY

gcar.com/events

518-463-5525 arnoff.com ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 21

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.

1st National Bank of Scotia 201 Mohawk Ave Scotia, NY 12302 518-370-7117 www.firstscotia.com japoulin@firstscotia.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 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

22 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Clearpath Mortgage Solutions 43 British American Blvd Latham, NY 12110 518-389-7070 clearpathmortgages.com mike.rankin@clearpathmortgages.com Crosscountry Mortgage 64 Bridge St, Ste 1 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 518-469-1200 adamapproves.com 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 518-250-5641 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

GCAR.COM

J Squared Home Inspections 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

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. 4 Kashmiri Terrace Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-754-1077 merilightphotography.com Meri@Merilightphotography.com

Metzwood Insurance 11 Central Square Chatham, NY 12037 518-392-5161 www.metzwood.com anand@metzwood.com Movement Mortgage 120 West Ave, Ste 206 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-368-4404 www.theannasmithteam.com anna.smith@movement.com

NBT Bank 101 North Salina Street, Suite 202 Syracuse, NY 13202 315-505-6572 ww.nbtbank.com aleo@nbtbank.com

Premium Mortgage 931 New Loudon Rd Latham, NY 12110 201-638-9804 kkamber@premiummortgage.com Saratoga Community Federal Credit Union 23 Division Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-583-2323 x123 www.saratogafcu.org lmccoy@saratogafcu.org

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 518-730-9095 www.sunmark.org thomas.phillips@sunmark.org

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 518-526-8043

The Towne Law Firm, P.C. 500 New Karner Rd Albany, NY 12212 518-452-1800 www.townelaw.com christine.taylor@townelaw.com Trustco Bank 518-374-4056 ddepasquale@trustcobank.com www.trustcobank.com

Wallace Turner Law, LLP 134 Central Ave Albany, NY 12206 518-309-3404 518-400-0672 www.wallaceturnerlaw.com rturner@wallaceturnerlaw.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 1 Summit Ct, Ste 104 Fishkill, NY 12524 845-440-2302 www.wellsfargo.com michael.waters@wellsfargo.com

The Dust Busters PO Box 4521 Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-728-7394 paula.dustbusters@gmail.com

ACROSS THE ASSOCIATION 23

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

Mid-Winter Business Meetings

HOMEBUYER WAY

Mid-Winter Business Meetings

In-Person Meetings - February 4 – 8, 2024

Crowne Plaza Albany Desmond Hotel, Albany, NY

Learn more at nysar.com Sponsored in part by the:

BROKERS DRIVE

PROPERTY WAY

The ceremony will take place prior to an elevated reception serving small plates throughout the REALTOROPOLY themed evening.

“Do not pass go” and proceed directly to join your colleagues from around the state for an Installation Ceremony and Reception celebrating 2024 NYSAR President, Joe Rivellino and the Leadership Team.

EMPIRE STATE PLACE

REALTOR® AVENUE

Virtual Meetings - January 22 – 25, 2024 In-Person Meetings - February 4 – 8, 2024

LEGAL LANE

REAL ESTATE DRIVE

Mid-Winter Business Virtual Meetings - January 22 – Meetings 25, 2024 Virtual Meetings January In-Person Meetings February 4 –-8, 202422 – 25, 2024 OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

ADVOCACY AVENUE

CERTIFICATIONS COURT

LISTINGS AVENUE

DESIGNATIONS STREET

MLS STREET

Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® 449 New Karner Road Albany, New York 12205