Viewpoints

Conor Eckert

GUEST VIEWPOINT: Site Inventory Program Arms Orange County with Key Facts to Accommodate New Projects

September 20, 2023

Executing sector specific economic development strategy is not an overnight process—it takes research, relationships, and an in-depth understanding of the market. When an economic development organization gets an opportunity to compete for a major project in Advanced Manufacturing, speed and accuracy are everything. That’s why we rolled out the Site Inventory Program (S.I.P.)—to give us…

Maureen Halahan

GUEST VIEWPOINT: Orange County: At the Confluence of Opportunity and Responsibility

September 20, 2023

The “summer slowdown” never occurred in 2023 at the Orange County Partnership as site selector activity and tenant requirements demanded our full attention. The leads have been in diverse industry clusters, and we have been working with companies that specialize in: • Battery Manufacturing • Food/Beverage Production • Data Center • Plastic Manufacturing • Distribution…

Alexander Roithmayr

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Not Enough Homes to Sell? Blame the Local Land Use Boards and Their Lack of Education

September 20, 2023

The “zombies” of issues left to be decided are poised to walk the halls again this coming legislative year. With the added specter of a Presidential election year, the 2024 New York State Legislative Session will play out while some State Representatives fight in primary elections, providing a backdrop for a legislative session where there…

Tony D'Anzica

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: The MLS Increases Competition, Levels Playing Field for Consumer

September 19, 2023

Many Realtors today are worried about a string of anti-trust lawsuits filed against NAR alleging anticompetitive practices. While NAR is vigorously challenging those lawsuits, one of which was recently dismissed, the average Realtor needs to focus on the value benefits that Realtors bring to each transaction. Contrary to the allegations in those lawsuits, participation in…

Lynda Fernandez

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO: Meeting the Membership’s Evolving Needs

September 19, 2023

As previously announced, I joined the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors as your Chief Executive Officer on Sept. 1. I am deeply honored and thrilled to be serving you along with the exceptional team of professionals and leaders at HGAR. It is with a great sense of obligation to honor the illustrious legacy and history…

HGAR DEI Committee

HGAR Member Appreciation Day Challenge for 2023

September 14, 2023

I have attended many HGAR Member Appreciation Days over the years, and it is a great time to catch up with those that you haven’t seen in a while. Many of us missed this kind of interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic and the years that have followed. With classes and other events on Zoom, I…

Kenyatta Jones-Arietta

GUEST COLUMN: Baby Steps

September 12, 2023

I did my first doggy paddle last weekend. Yes, that’s right—a doggy paddle! I didn’t attempt to learn how to swim until a few years ago. Yep! I got to 46 not knowing how to tread water. That all changed after a trip to Africa with my girlfriend, Patricia in 2018. We chartered a boat…

HGAR DEI Committee

Will the Supreme Court Decision Affect DEI? I Hope So!

August 24, 2023

Shortly after the Supreme Court decision regarding affirmative action in higher education, a national news outlet posted an article stating that as a result some experts believe DEI programs in corporate America could crumble. It said corporate America could be held liable for DEI programs and policies. Upon reading further, it referred to companies that…

Tony D'Anzica

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Inflation's Hold on the Housing Market

August 22, 2023

“No doubt business men are greedy; no doubt trade unionists are grasping; and everyone knows that housewives are spendthrifts; but neither the greedy business men nor the grasping trade unionists nor the spendthrift housewives produce inflation.... Inflation is made by government and no one else.” Milton Friedman It is hard to explain to clients why…

Jana Currier

From the Desk of the Interim CEO: Know Your Why (Part 2)

August 18, 2023

Do you know your WHY? Can you, off the top of your head explain why a person looking to buy a home needs you—a professional Realtor? If not, my advice is to continue to read this article and then prepare your personal statement articulating your value. Using a Realtor when buying a home offers several…

Kenyatta Jones-Arietta

GUEST COLUMN: Are You In?

August 10, 2023

“You have to be in it to win it.” “You have to spend money to make money.” I’m sure you’ve heard these phrases and similar sayings over the years. As a real estate consultant, agent, or salesperson, you are an independent contractor. And that means that you, my friend, work for yourself (under the guidance…

Tony D'Anzica

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Adapting to Changing Times

July 18, 2023

Like many Realtor associations across the country, HGAR’s finances are being impacted by inflationary pressures that are driving up operating costs. A sluggish housing market is also causing Realtor membership at the local, state and national level to drop. That means associations now have to pay more money to provide the same services, while generating…

Alexander Roithmayr

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Progress Made on Telemarketing Ban

July 14, 2023

The dust has settled and we find ourselves standing on the brink of success? As you know, the 2023 legislative session was exciting, but unproductive. Passing about half the number of bills as they did the year before, the 2023 session will be remembered for having a budget that was a month late, a housing…

Ed Day

GUEST VIEWPOINT: Rockland County’s War Against Culture of Non-Compliance

July 12, 2023

Since my administration successfully dug residents in Rockland County out of a $138-million deficit, we’ve been able to focus more resources on tackling unsafe housing despite Building and Fire Codes only being enforceable at the local level, not the county level. As the County of Rockland does not have the authority to do inspections, except…

Jana Currier

From the Desk of the Interim CEO: Know Your Why (Part 1)

July 12, 2023

Do you know your WHY? Can you, off the top of your head, explain why a person looking to sell their home needs you, a professional Realtor? If not, my advice is to continue to read this article and then prepare your personal statement articulating your value. We are still working in a market where…

Kenyatta Jones-Arietta

GUEST COLUMN: A System Geared to Achieving a ‘Win-Win’

July 6, 2023

When I ﬁrst started in real estate many moons ago, I was so eager to get a deal going that I would take buyers to see homes without pre-approvals and continued to work with people that I knew deep down weren’t really going to make an oﬀer on a house. I was so hungry that…

HGAR DEI Committee

Being an Active ‘Upstander’ Instead of a Silent Bystander

July 6, 2023

Recently at a meeting that I attended, I had the opportunity to take an active role as an “upstander.” Before I tell you what happened at the meeting, I want to briefly explain what an upstander is. When someone witnesses or ignores a prejudiced attack, they can appear to be condoning or reinforcing the behavior…

Robert D. Broeksmit, CMB

Regulators: Take Steps to Recognize Warehouse Lenders’ Important Role in Today’s Housing Finance Market

July 5, 2023

This is a difficult time for the housing industry, and those challenges extend to all corners—not only mortgage lenders but also the warehouse lenders, vendors, title companies, and real estate agents that support the housing and mortgage finance ecosystem. Over the past 24 months, there has been a sharp pivot from historically high origination volume—spurred…

Tony D'Anzica

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Leading the Way on Sustainability

June 19, 2023

HGAR has long been in the vanguard, leading the way in taking on tough issues and exploring new developments and trends that impact the livelihoods of our members and affect our industry. Since I believe we must always lead, HGAR has just launched its Committee on Sustainability, joining a very small group of Realtor associations…

Jana Currier

From the Desk of the Interim CEO: Celebrating Homeownership Month

June 8, 2023

I’d like to address all the amazing real estate professionals out there who play a vital role in helping people achieve their dreams. This Homeownership Month, I applaud your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to assisting individuals and families in finding their perfect home. As we reflect on the significance of homeownership, it’s important to…