In December of 2018 the Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed legislation into law to guarantee a measure of protection to prospective co-op purchasers. Thus far, more than 300 rejections of prospective buyers have occurred since the co-op law went into effect. This is an inordinate number of rejections. and there are many questions that…
Read MoreNo one could have ever imagined all that has transpired over the past several months. The COVID-19 virus began to spread throughout the world earlier this year and within weeks and months it overtook the world and has taken, and continues to take, countless lives. Our hearts go out to all of those who have…
Read MoreOn Aug. 11, 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Law (Human Rights Law) §296(2-a) (d)(2) requiring landlords to provide tenants “the use of an animal as a reasonable accommodation to alleviate symptoms or effects of a disability.” It was effective immediately. This protection adds to those already required under federal law. Under this state law,…
Read MoreThe cases of COVID-19 continue to rise and fall from month to month. The economic crisis also continues as the unemployment rate remains above 10%. The MTA is in dire straits and considering eliminating train service west of the Hudson. A total of 20% cuts will be made by state agencies if an aid package…
Read MoreOn July 27, 2020, the Senate introduced eight bills, referred to as the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools Act (HEALS Act), that would offer additional relief for individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. On July 31, 2020, an important element of the previously enacted COVID-19 relief packages, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance…
Read MoreAs the HGAR Professional Standards Administrator, I often get calls and e-mails from members of the public and/or Realtors looking to file a complaint against a Realtor who is acting unethically. Usually, after a lengthy discussion, it’s revealed that the Realtor being complained about isn’t acting unethically, they’re simply acting unprofessionally. Topping the list of…
Read MoreLegislative activity remains high on the national level. As the incidences of Covid-19 escalate in many areas of the country, Congress is in talks to pass another aid package which, at this point, is far from what either party can agree upon. One of the components of the bill that is being discussed is extending…
Read MoreOn April 2, in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the New York State Court of Appeals issued a decision in Regina Metropolitan Co., LLC v. New York State Division of Housing and Community Preservation (“Regina Metropolitan”) [see https://bit.ly/38I4y79] barring the retroactive application of certain provisions of the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of…
Read MoreCongratulations, you’ve made it! We’re out from under the shelter in place orders. Realtors are out in their counties meeting with clients, listing properties, doing showings, putting deals together and everyone is, hopefully, back to work, even if not at 100%. Since we went underground months ago, many have gotten a little rusty. If you…
Read MoreWe are four months into the COVID-19 crisis and much of the legislative activity continues to center around COVID issues on both a state and national level, not to mention the myriad of related local rules and regulations. On the federal level, Congress is beginning to debate a third round of stimulus for the economy.…
Read MoreOn Friday, June 5, 2020, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act of 2020 (the “PPP Flexibility Act”) (see https://bit.ly/3dSbhNx). The PPP Flexibility Act provides additional relief to those businesses that have applied for and received loans under the Paycheck Protection Program instituted under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act…
Read MoreAs you are all aware, the post Covid-19 reopenings are underway and the Mid-Hudson region is currently in Phase 2. There are many rules that New York State’s Department of Health has outlined as mandatory requirements and others as “best practices” that are strongly recommended. You are all encouraged to read the “Interim Guidance for…
Read MoreNEWBURGH—During a virtual press conference focused on the merits of the Heroes Act passed by Congress recently, U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney and the county executives of Westchester, Orange and Dutchess counties agreed that the Mid-Hudson region’s economy should be re-opened by New York State soon. The online event on Thursday featured in addition to…
Read MoreDuring this difficult period, when individuals and businesses are concerned primarily with the personal and economic impact being caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is important that real estate brokers and agents continue to keep up with the new legal developments. On Dec. 16, 2019, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced new regulations (“New Fair Housing Regulations”),…
Read MoreAs we all know, the new OneKey MLS roll out is taking place. Clear Cooperation is now a requirement and you can no longer market a property to the public without putting it on the MLS. The “Coming Soon” status will soon roll out as well. So, while you’re conducting business from home, it’s important…
Read MoreOn March 7, 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for New York State [see https://on.ny.gov/34jIVI4]. On March 13, 2020, President Trump then declared a national state of emergency [see https://bit.ly/2JMNC3N]. Since then, many have lost their lives to the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, many of the nation’s non-essential businesses have been forced to…
Read MoreToday I’m writing from my makeshift office, looking out on the world that has changed drastically since my last article. So much has happened in a few short weeks and there is so much uncertainty for the weeks ahead. However, there are a few things that remain certain and it is these things that I…
Read MoreWASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a $2-trillion COVID-19 compromise economic relief package on March 25. The bill now goes to the U.S. House, where it is expected to pass, and President Trump has said he will sign the much-needed measure into law. The National Association of Realtors reports the bill includes $350 billion for the…
Read MoreA common issue that arises in connection with many residential lease negotiations and the occupancy of condominium units and cooperative apartments is where the individual seeking to occupy an apartment or unit requests a reasonable accommodation from a housing provider to allow for occupancy of a “service animal” or “assistance animal.” While many requests are…
Read MoreOneKey MLS, our new joint venture multiple listing service, will go live March 24, 2020. With this new change comes modifications to what you will see and input into our Matrix system, as well as some procedural changes. This article will address the most notable and important changes. New Status Changes Pending: As you may…
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