October Newsletter 2016

The official newsletter of HUNT Real Estate Corporation

A Message from Peter F. Hunt page 2

News Around the Regions page 5

HUNT Mortgage page 11

Pub. October 2016 | Issue 80

The Realty Club

by Dan Mirsky, Director of Marketing Welcome to The Realty Club Corner

Starting this month, we are featuring a new section here in the newsletter called The Realty Club Corner. We’ll be using this space to refresh you about all the great benefits of using The Realty Club, as well as introduce you to the the new vendors that have recently become Realty Club members.

What is The Realty Club?

First, let me give you a quick refresher about The Realty Club and how it can help make you the “go to” resource for all of your clients’ home services needs. The Realty Club offers all HUNT clients - past and present - FREE lifetime access to our portfolio of vendors engaged in businesses relating to owning and maintaining their home.

From movers and carpenters to roofers and electricians, we can recommend the perfect vendors for any home related services they need.

The Realty Club helps you stay top-of-mind with with your

clients by making you their preferred resource for any service related to their home. Whenever you have a client that has a need, simply call or email The Realty Club and we’ll send you the preferred vendors we have available in that category...or if you’d prefer we call your client directly, we’ll do that, too!

We Need Vendors!

Along with promoting The Realty Club to your clients, we need your help in gaining additional vendors across all of our regions. If you have a preferred vendor that you’d like to refer to us, simply give us their contact information and we’ll reach out to them. We can be reached at: TheRealtyClub@huntrealestate.com or 888.573.1983.

If we are able to sign on your vendor to a 1-year contract, we’ll send you a $25 gift card as a token of our appreciation.

continued on page 13

A message from Peter F. Hunt Chairman & CEO

Why ‘Distinctive Properties’?

Why Now?

Three reasons: 1.) Our History. In 1985, it became clear to us that the real estate market had “segments.” Your Leadership Team was engaged in its second iteration of our industry-leading Leadership Development Program through the MBA program at Canisius College. A marketing professional had asked how we address each market or demographic segment. Geographically? By price range?

At that time our focus had been on the “how” of marketing as opposed to the “to whom.” We were the first in Upstate NY to publish and distribute our own inventory magazine, “The Showcase of Homes,” we had a parallel “Showcase” on television—only the 2nd real estate TV show in the country. So we further segmented: first with new home construction through our “New Homes Showcase” magazine and then our first highend publication, and also a first in Upstate, “Distinctive Homes.” Through its distribution, our position in this segment of the market almost immediately grew to be dominant. Now, through our multi-media approach, Distinctive Properties will set us apart and position us again to dominate this important segment of each of the markets and regions we serve.

2.) Our Distinctive Properties clients pay more.

Accordingly, they have a right to expect more. And if we deliver on the Distinctive Properties service promise embedded in the program, we are one of one in that important market segment. Very simply, our Distinctive Properties clients deserve an enhanced marketing effort.

3.) The “high-end” of the real estate market is now the softest segment nationwide. This fact alone has been a major factor in the stock value decrease among real estate service organizations publicly traded, Realogy among them. So while it may seem counterintuitive to focus on this segment at this time, when conditions like this exist, now is the time to build on and grow our market share. Distinctive Properties clients need to distinguish their individual property through a more aggressive, enhanced and targeted approach. Distinctive Properties delivers.

2

Here’s how our Distinctive Properties market-

ing program delivers—uniquely positioning you as one of one in this listing price range: 1.) Assures delivery of the Seller Select “Six Steps to Success” 2.) Provides the only marketing plan specifically for homes in our high-end price range A truly differentiating HUNT Distinctive Properties yard sign ❑ Professional photography ❑ Enhanced web presence • The Distinctive Properties section of the HUNT website • HUNTdistinctiveproperties.com • Luxuryrealestate.com • HUNTrealestate.luxuryrealestate.com ❑ Featured property ad in our HUNT Distinctive Properties digital magazine ❑ Optional print advertising in international publications including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Architectural Digest and more ❑

High-end property brochures featuring our unique Distinctive Properties identifier ❑ Social Media exposure via the HUNT Real Estate Corporation social channels 3.) For an added level of differentiating service, we recommend you also provide all the elements of the Seller Select “Elite Marketing Plan” ❑ A Certified Home Inspection ❑ Home Warranty through American Home Shield ❑ Staging services provided by a certified professional Home Stager ❑ Third-party appraisal (recommended but not required) ❑

requires you to use ALL that is available to you, while utilizing your natural talents and acquired skills, reflecting what is your unique personal style. You have the unequaled opportunity to not just be the “best of the best,” but to be the ONLY one who can do what you do for this very important client group.

Nothing makes me happier than for you to compete and win. It has always been my personal mission to make certain that you have no real competition. This

HUNT Insurance

by Jodi Giovino, General Manager HUNT Insurance Did You Know?

Many low cost insurance providers many not be giving you the coverages you and your family need!

Call us at HUNT Insurance Agency for a free insurance review for your autos, home, umbrella, life, and commercial/business endeavors.

Jodi A. Giovino

General Manager HUNT Insurance Agency, LLC jodi.giovino@huntinsurance.co 716-748-8906 585-228-2800 315-274-5222 518-249-6444

Buffalo/Niagara Region Rochester Region Syracuse Region Capital Region

3

Agents of the Month Buffalo

July

August

September

Akron Amherst Buffalo Metropolitan East Aurora Hamburg KenTon Lancaster

Adam Burg Judy Jack Lewis Ellen Daly Todd & Karen Aichinger Carol Lee Rubeck Marsha McCarthy Bill Severyn

Kelly Spurlock Judy Jack Lewis Ellen Daly Todd Aichinger Wendy Pass Kim Nemeth Jeanine Kacala

Lewiston Lockport Orchard Park West Seneca Wheatfield Williamsville-Clarence Williamsville Village

Cyndi Van Dusen Louis Faery Carol Czerwiec Jan Doktor Jennifer Ranaletti Phyllis Milazzo Bonnie Clement

Barbara Kivi Dianne Shaw Carol Czerwiec Cynthia Stachowski Jennifer Ranaletti Amy Mayfield Enas Latif

Cheyanne Seelau Judy Jack Lewis Ellen Daly Erik Jensen Melissa Weidner Kelly Limina Marcie Kolb & Donnalea Nykiel Annie Smith Louis Faery Ryan Daley Cynthia Stachowski Mark Lemke Jim Hoffman Joe Trifilo

Brighton-Pittsford Canandaigua Greece Perinton Webster Hornell/Alfred

RichTesta Dawn Kane Rich Orczyk John Denniston Vince LoCastro Nancy Countryman

Larry Magguilli Sandi Van Camp Bernadette Catlin John Denniston Patrick Pellegrino Laurie Godown

Rich Testa Sandi Van Camp Rich Orczyk John Denniston Doug DeMar Shaune Henry

Camillus Cazenovia Chittenango

Dave Manzano Sr. Thomas Tait Robert Freunscht & Virginia Mann (Team) Barbara Owens MaryAnn Nelson CNY Key Team Autumn Starr Gaulin Team Mary Pat Adams

David Manzano Sr. Thomas Tait Amy Burnell

Barbara Owens MaryAnn Nelson CNY Key Team Autumn Starr Judy Winslow Jeanette Denney

Shane Tibbitts

Bruce Tibbitts/ Bees Team

The Crocker Team Thomas Tait Robert Freunscht & Virginia Mann (Team Teresa Homer James Foley CNY Key Team Autumn Starr Gaulin Team Jeanette Denney Jill Rosette Shane Tibbitts

Saratoga Springs Loudonville Glens Falls Slingerlands Rensselaer

Judy Viger Chris Maddalone Jennifer Ball Jaime Evans

Bonnie Weiler Dan Lesage Denise Hill Andrew McCauley

Sheila Brumbley Dan Lesage Jennifer Ball Nina Sher Cindy McMahon

Tempe Scottsdale

Ken Mayer Maureen Hamilton

Vieyra Guadalupe David Boudreau

Vieyra Guadalupe Heather Bennett

Rochester

Central & Northern NY/Carthage Watertown

Clinton Old Forge DeWitt Liverpool Manlius Oneida Watertown Cicero

Capital District

Arizona

4

News Around the Regions Arizona

Peter Hunt recently visited the Tempe Branch to meet some of the agents that recently joined HUNT.

Corporate

The Leadership Graduation held at HUNT University on August 18th, had many graduates. Congratulations to those who completed the Leadership Training!

"This program really helped me to learn more about myself as a leader. It helped reinforce many things I feel are valuable in a leadership role. It also helped me to think about things and how to approach them from a very different mindset." - Amber Wesser

On August 19th, the Leadership Team gathered to say a fond farewell and Thank You to our Director of Training, Bob Scholz. Bob has dedicated years of his career to the training of new agents within the company. While we will all miss Bob, we are sure he is enjoying retirement, spending time with his family and doing his hobby - painting.

Congratulations and Thank You Bob!

5

News Around the Regions cont.

Capital

The agents and staff of our Loudonville office will volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, NY on Friday, October 14th by cooking a home cooked meal for up to 45 people. The agents in the office will participate in various ways from planning the menu, making a monetary donation, coupon cutting, shopping for food and/or preparing and cooking the meal. “This effort takes a great deal of commitment and coordination, yet, the agents and staff of HUNT Real Estate are known for their generosity in many ways,” said Mark Phoenix, Interim Branch Director.

Many families travel far from home and spend several weeks or months to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children. Ronald McDonald Houses serve as a “home away from home” for families who can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. Ronald McDonald Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child.

The team at HUNT Loudonville is looking forward to this day which will, undoubtedly, be a meaningful experience for all as we support the communities which support us.

After going through the design phase of the new office, securing a building permit, we’re at the final stages of selecting a contractor to handle the fit up of our Clifton Park office. Dave Evans and Mark Phoenix have worked closely through the construction bid process and are now entering the staff recruitment phase of this exciting endeavor. It’s a bit early to announce an opening date. We’ll keep everyone posted as we draw closer to that date.

6

News Around the Regions cont.

Central & Northern NY

On August 15th, the DeWitt, Manlius, Cazenovia & Chittenango offices held a joint Lunch & Learn meeting with Jodi Giovino and James Farah from HUNT Mortgage as our featured speakers. It was standing room only with 50+ Agents in attendance. Great information and a delicious lunch was shared by all. Thank you HUNT Insurance for providing our Agents with another magnificent service that we can provide to our clients!

Please join us in congratulating MariRae Dopke, from our Cicero Branch, for being elected to the GSAR Board of Directors. It is an honor to have MariRae continue a longstanding HUNT tradition of Board service. We are all very lucky to have someone with her experience and expertise representing all CNY agents!

This year the CNY Region held its annual summer picnic on July 28th at Lakeside Park located on beautiful Cazenovia Lake. All in attendance enjoyed a delicious chicken barbecue catered by Brooks Chicken, good music, organized games and the opportunity to spend time with our fellow HUNT Agents and support staff.

7

News Around the Regions cont.

Central & Northern NY

Rochester

Mortgage Consultants, Agents, Managers, Administrative Assistants and even a lawyer or two came together for HUNT Mortgage's Agent Appreciation Party. The event was help on September 14th at Revolutions located inside Destiny Mall. The afternoon was filled with the sound of bowling pins and laughter as colleagues from many HUNT offices joined together for a few games and friendly conversation. The afternoon came to an end after a delicious Mexican dinner catered by Revolutions. A special thank you to HUNT Mortgage for showing their appreciation and giving everyone at HUNT a chance to join together.

HUNT Agents Sizzled this Summer in the Heat! With another low inventory market, HUNT Agents needed to be superior to the competition with obtaining listings. This has brought out the creative minds of our agents and pushed them to develop new strategies. Door knocking in areas where we have HUNT signs has brought about some viable leads. This is a great strategy to develop your AgentAchieve database. Agents offer our ePropertyWatch as a value item in exchange for contact information. If you have a listing, get out there and knock (5 to the left, 5 to the right and 10 across the street). It will be well worth the effort!

Talk about Sizzling, HUNT Agents got out in the heat this summer to enjoy some activities together. Agents enjoyed a Pedal Tour around Park Ave on a cool 98 degree day.

It was awesome! Maybe we will do the next one in the Fall.

8

News Around the Regions cont.

Rochester

After 10 years of being the glue that kept the Brighton/Pittsford branch together, we gathered to celebrate Judy Guarino's retirement.

She was the first one to volunteer for helping with office parties, staying late to get work done at end of month, and was a part of the Easter Egg Hunt since its inception. We wish Judy all the best in her new endeavors.

Enjoy a pic of the Hornell and Alfred summer office BBQ. Nice looking group!

Rochester Agents participated in our 1st Habitat for Humanity outreach. All agents worked hard even though some had “cushy” jobs! We had 2 Rochester groups and plan on expanding out our participation next year. Everyone walked away with a deeper understanding of the program and a sense of accomplishment for a job well done! Thank you to all who volunteered!

Agents got out and enjoyed the weather at the Realtor Night at a local Red Wings baseball game. This is an annual event sponsored by the GRAR. That’s baby Stella (future Realtor) on Joel Goldberg’s lap!

9

Leadership Development

by Renee Smith, Agent Accounting Administrator

I didn’t know what to expect, or how the HUNT Leadership Development Program would affect me and my life. HUNT was creating the leaders of tomorrow. They wanted to guide, develop and enrich the leaders they have today. And, to that end, over twenty of us sat in HUNT University, introducing ourselves to each other and outlining how we wanted to change as a result of this program.

But would I change? “It’s a master’s level course,” others who have been through the process would say. “Oh, LDP, that’s a lot of work,” I was warned.

But I was wrong.

Work, I was prepared for. Change? It takes a lot to change me.

I have lived all over the world and worn a lot of hats. Certainly, this one program would bring me knowledge, but not real change, I believed.

Through the ten months of webinars, video conferences and intensive in-person sessions, I learned about leadership styles, personality styles, change management, teamwork and presentations skills. I learned what makes companies great and what the differentiating factor really is between someone who manages and someone who leads.

But most importantly, I learned about the intense passion and drive Peter and Mary Jo Hunt have for their company, the communities they serve, their employees, and helping HUNT Real Estate become the most comprehensive, service-oriented homeownership organization on the planet. I learned about how deeply this company believes that family comes first. And I learned to grow in respect for my fellow participants, some of whom I formed a bond with for life.

Did all this change me? More than I could have ever anticipated, and in more than just my professional life. I hope that by completing this program, I stand a little taller, listen a little more, and work hard using all my talents to help this company I call home grow and thrive.

10

HUNT Mortgage

by Linda Mallia, President of HUNT Mortgage

Reverse Mortgages

HUNT Mortgage offers reverse mortgages for seniors. Seniors can use a reverse mortgage to supplement their income by tapping into the equity of their existing home, but they can also use it to purchase a new, and perhaps more suitable home, as long as it is their primary residence.

In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage, one of the borrowers needs to be at least 62 years of age. The borrower(s) must be able to pay the home’s property taxes, insurance premiums, homeowners associates dues, if any, and any other ongoing property costs. The property must meet FHA standards. The amount of down payment the senior will need to purchase a home using a reverse mortgage for purchase will depend on several factors, such as the age of the youngest borrower, current interest rates, the initial mortgage insurance premium, and the home’s appraised value.

A reverse mortgage for purchase allows older Americans to purchase a home that best suits their current needs without having to completely drain their liquid assets. By eliminating the traditional monthly principal and interest payment, seniors don’t have to dip into their

monthly incomes which are often fixed.

HUNT Mortgage is incredibly fortunate to have an expert in reverse mortgages on staff. Karen Johnson has over 13 years of experience in reverse mortgages and joined HUNT Mortgage two years ago. Karen’s knowledge of reverse mortgages is extensive, but it is truly her ability to connect with and communicate with seniors that makes her an invaluable asset at HUNT, where we pride ourselves on a full array of homeownership services. Karen is licensed in NY, FL and AZ. Karen can be reached at (716) 725-8985.

11

Relocation

by Mary Croglio, Director of Relocation It’s that time of year, time to earn some additional money for the holidays. This opportunity is available to all HUNT agents and employees including HUNT Commercial, Network Title, HUNT Mortgage and HUNT Insurance. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.

Simply send an email to your friends, family and business associates letting them know we provide real estate services throughout the United States. We already have letter templates that you can customize in AgentAchieve. The template below is the “agent version” and can be found in the Document Center under Relocation. It is easy to customize and send! If agents prefer, send a virtual postcard from the gallery in AgentAchieve-there are 5 options from which to choose. Another quick and easy way is to post a message on your personal Facebook page and be sure your friends know you are their real estate professional wherever they go.

Once you have a client that is looking to make a move, complete the Outgoing Referral Form, which can also found in the Document Center. Don’t forget branch-to-branch referrals are eligible.

Sample:

Dear John,

It’s autumn in Rochester; the leaves are blazing with color and the air is crisp and fresh. It is the beginning of a new season and for fall’s changing temperatures, flavors and fragrances. Where would you like to enjoy the season?

I can provide real estate assistance in Rochester or anywhere throughout the United States because of our real estate broker network. We belong to a performance based network of brokers that are tops in their market place. We are all customer service focused and continually strive to exceed the expectations of our clients.

Please contact me should you or anyone you know be considering purchasing or selling property. I’ll share the simple steps used to provide an excellent agent who will represent you and answer any questions. Of course, if the transaction is here in Rochester, you may continue to expect my dedication and personalized service.

I look forward to providing you real estate assistance throughout the country.

There is also an employee version of this letter. If you wish to receive a copy, send an email to mary.croglio@huntrealestate.com and I am happy to share it. We want employees to earn extra income, too. Employees can receive a bonus on local friends, family and neighbors when they send their referrals through Relocation. You can even request a specific HUNT agent.

We hope to sell a lot of real estate and make the season brighter for you!

12

The Realty Club

by Dan Mirsky, Director of Marketing New Realty Club Vendors

We have recently added four new vendors to The Realty Club. If you have any clients with needs in these categories, please give them a call!

Cleaning/Maid Service 716 ProClean 716-730-1001 716proclean.com Region: Buffalo/Niagara

Mold Remediation WNY Ecosolutions 716-880-5956 wnyecosolutions.com Region: Buffalo/Niagara

Moving & Storage Rapid Moving & Storage 716-832-6683 chooserapid.com Region: Buffalo/Niagara

Senior Relocation Cleanout/Trash Removal Caring Transitions 716-580-4822 caringtransitionsbuffalony.com Region: Buffalo/Niagara Realty Club Attorneys Denny Law Office, P.C. 315-692-4392 dennylawoffice.com Region: Central New York

Moving & Storage A&E Moving Solutions 716-713-6664 anemovingsolutions.com Region: Buffalo/Niagara

13

Welcome to HUNT! We would like to welcome the following newly licensed agents from across the company:

David Vari - Williamsville Village Benjamin Yount - Hamburg Danielle St. Onge - Lockport John Papp - Metropolitan Alicia Wittman - East Aurora Dahlia O’Brien - Amherst Lindsay Simon - Williamsville Village Yehuda Shapira - Brighton-Pittsford Constance Catanise - Greece Junina Nacua - Saratoga Springs JoAnne Atkinson - Loudonville John Passafiume - Greece Diana Cort - Canandaigua Terry Hixson - Orchard Park Michael Satter - Perinton Susan Rinaldo - Cazenovia Jeanette Buckingham - Cazenovia/Chittenango Virginia Church - Canandaigua Daniel Tuerk - Akron Katie Supnick - Scottsdale Lindsey Turner - Wheatfield Adam Stevenson - Orchard Park

Thomas Childs - Williamsville Village Cathy Ragusano-Neilsen - Scottsdale Allison Morelle - Clinton Karen Wentz - Loudonville Bradley Bowe - Oneida Nicole Farley - Oneida Melissa Leos - Oneida Shandice Banks - Scottsdale Lisa Felgemacher - Amherst Edward Visser - Amherst Chanelle Goode - Amherst Svetla Sokolov-Moreland - East Aurora Amy Kowal - Hamburg Savana Czekalski - Lancaster Kiesha Bennett - Metropolitan Danielle Byrd - Metropolitan

CENTRAL, NORTHERN NY & CAPITAL REGIONS Tuesday, January 17 Turning Stone Casino 5218 Patrick Rd Verona, NY 13478 Awards: 2pm, Celebration: 4-6pm

William Bauer - Metropolitan Isabelle Roy - Orchard Park Christopher Kicior - Orchard Park Jordanne Weissert - Williamsville Village Heather Hastings - West Seneca Derrick Deyo - Wheatfield Emily Sullivan - Wheatfield/Lewiston Donte Chavers - Williamsville Village Kristin Bragg - Williamsville/Clarence Joanne Marino - Williamsville/Clarence Mary Anne Cecchetoo - Rensselaer Sandra Kyle-Orlando - Brighton/Pittsford Kristen LaDue - Brighton/Pittsford Roy Raup - Brighton/Pittsford Kristopher Koerner - Brighton/Pittsford Dale Granger - Brighton/Pittsford Julian Roux - Brighton/Pittsford Tina Spoor - Canandaigua Kellie Newton - Canandaigua Lisa Barrett - Greece Julie McDade - Liverpool Rylee Noonan - Hamburg Annette Hanzon - Williamsville Village Joseph Olgin - Amherst Elizabeth Watson - Williamsville Village Sean Clancy - Brightons/Pittsford Ryan McClanahan - Williamsville/Clarence Maria McCallister - Loudonville Christine Pyne - Metropolitan Edward Puma - Cicero Kevin Trovini - Scottsdale Saul Hernandez - Tempe Shannon Mahiques - KenTon Dennis Lagoe - Camillus Micael Anderson - Williamsville/Clarence Franchesca Sudduth - KenTon Katlyn Brown - Wheatfield Alexander Hernandez - Hamburg Matthew Brown - Lockport Carol Dambmann - Metropolitan Sally Jarrar - Cazenovia Bejamin Crews - KenTon

Tehya Henkle - Tempe Jackie McElroy - Clinton Sandra Ryan - Loudonville

We would also like to welcome the following experienced agents from across the company: Andrew DiGiacomo - Liverpool Michael Devlin - Hamburg John Gall - Scottsdale Lori Jordan - Williamsville Village Nadia Silva - Scottsdale Robert Dibble - Old Forge Mike Piazza - Metropolitan Barbara C. Conkling - Hudson

Joseph Desrosiers - Williamsville Village Julie Higgins - Williamsville Village Diane Lynch - Loudonville Paul Barrett - Hudson Kathleen Neracker - Cicero Edward McDermid - Williamsville/Clarence

BUFFALO, ROCHESTER & SOUTHERN TIER REGIONS Thursday, January 26 Seneca Niagara Casino 310 4th Street Niagara Falls, NY 14303 Awards: 2pm, Celebration: 4-6pm