Viewpoints

Philip Weiden

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Realtors Win Big Victories at the Federal Level

July 16, 2018

The U.S Department of Labor has finalized its long-awaited Association Health Plan rule to expand the definition of "employer" to include "working owners." This change allows real estate professionals and other self-employed individuals to participate in association health plans. A key provision, forwarded for inclusion in the rule by NAR, will allow many Realtors who…

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Leon Cameron, Esq.

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: Refresher on Requisite Client Disclosures

July 16, 2018

Although Realtors and all Licensees are cautioned against practicing law without a license (which includes the giving of legal advice), they are permitted however to give up-to-date and accurate legal information. As such, this article will address the requisite forms currently required for landlords in New York at the time of the execution of a…

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Robert Withers

Guest Viewpoint: The CRE Market Looks to Stay Hot in 2018 and Beyond

July 11, 2018

The commercial real estate lending market came off of a record year in 2017, as mortgage originations totaled $530 billion. Fundamentally, rates, property values, credit policies and demand support the continuing strength of the CRE market. Technically, a large block of maturing CMBS loans will leave many CRE owners attempting to sell should they be…

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Jennifer Maher

PUTNAM POSTING: The ‘Logistics’ of Prosperity for Putnam County

July 5, 2018

On Monday, July 9, a Town Board Work Session and presentation was scheduled on a large project proposed for Southeast. The proposal by Northeast Logistics, a refrigerated trucking company out of Oregon, involves more than 1.1 million square feet of warehouse/distribution space in four separate buildings. The project is located on Pugsley Road off Route…

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Barry Kramer

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Highlights of NAR Legislative Conference

June 14, 2018

A few weeks ago I attended the Realtors Legislative Meetings in Washington, DC. I must confess that while I’ve been to nearly every National Association of Realtors’ Convention held every November, this was my first time at the legislative meetings, which are held each May. If your time and budget permit, it’s really a great…

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Richard Haggerty

GATEWAY PERSPECTIVES: Going Global

June 14, 2018

In many of her articles for Real Estate In-Depth last year, past President Dorothy Botsoe referenced the fact that “we are the world.” I think there is tremendous positive energy in that phrase, reflecting our diversity and the fact that our proximity to New York City creates opportunities to work with buyers and sellers from…

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Philip Weiden

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Realtors Need Net Neutrality

June 7, 2018

Net neutrality is critical to the real estate industry. Realtors deal with various online platforms 24/7. Net neutrality is shorthand for the concept that Internet users should be in control of what content they view and what applications they use on the Internet. More specifically, net neutrality requires that broadband networks be free of restrictions…

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Jennifer Maher

PUTNAM POSTING: ‘Internet Fairness’ Should Include Taxing Sales Equally

June 5, 2018

A recent letter to the editor in a local newspaper regarding the proposed “Internet Fairness Conformity Tax” stated there are opposing views on this act here within our county. I see this act as an opportunity to level the playing field for smaller “Main Street” businesses. While obviously we all agree that taxes are out…

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Barry Kramer

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Efforts That Deserve a ‘WOW!’

May 16, 2018

When I became president of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors in January one of my goals was to expand member participation and to personally express my gratitude to individuals who raise the bar in their commitment to association activities. One way that I’ve done this is by establishing a WOW! Award. The award recipient…

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Richard Haggerty

GATEWAY PERSPECTIVES: Constant Juggling

May 15, 2018

For those of you who diligently read Real Estate In-Depth, as well as the weekly email updates we provide to all HGAR members, you know that there is a lot going on with the organization. I must confess that sometimes I feel that I’m constantly juggling meetings, appointments, phone calls, strategy sessions, e-mails, texts, and…

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Leon Cameron, Esq.

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: A Refresher on State Regulations Governing Teams

May 14, 2018

The New York Department of State Regulation Section 175.25 (a)(2) defines a real estate team in this way: “ 'Team’ means two or more persons, one of whom must be an associate real estate broker or real estate salesperson, associated with the same real estate brokerage who holds themselves out or operate as a team.”…

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Philip Weiden

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Four Major Issues on Agenda at NAR Meetings

May 9, 2018

HGAR leadership and staff will once again be attending the annual NAR Legislative Meetings (May 15-18) to take an active role in advancing legislation and influencing public policy that affects the real estate industry. This year there are four major issues on the agenda. The first of these issues is net neutrality. HGAR and NAR…

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Jennifer Maher

Elected Officials Forum Brings Honest Dialogue

May 7, 2018

This past April 15th was the annual Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Elected Officials Forum. Each year town/village, county, state and federal level officials are invited to discuss the overall business climate, economic development and our legislative priorities for the upcoming year. Some very honest conversations took place. Cost of permitting and development in area…

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Leon Cameron, Esq.

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: Serving as Broker and Lawyer Simultaneously in NYS is Prohibited

May 7, 2018

Some New York State real estate brokers also happen to be attorneys-at-law. These members should refrain from performing both roles simultaneously for a real estate client. A 2017 decision from the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Professional Ethics reaffirmed the traditional prohibition on this practice. Opinion 1117 issued last April states that a…

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Barry Kramer

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Your Chance to Make a Real Difference

April 24, 2018

Lobby Day has always been one of the most important days of the year. For nearly 20 years I’ve participated in nearly every one, and this year's event was one of the best ever. I have to admit that arriving in White Plains to catch a bus at 6 a.m. has never really appealed to…

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Richard Haggerty

GATEWAY PERSPECTIVES: Forging Relationships

April 13, 2018

In February of this year I wrote about our discussions with the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island to create a regional MLS covering New York City and the greater suburban area. I’m happy to report that those discussions continue to move forward in a very positive direction. I’m also very pleased to advise that…

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Jennifer Maher

PUTNAM POSTING: Enabling Downtown Revitalization In Mahopac

April 9, 2018

Last week the town of Carmel purchased a lakefront lot on Lake Mahopac, an opportunity that could not be passed up and perhaps should have been undertaken a long time ago. Many feel the town made a hasty decision and over paid. According to Nicole Stern, Mike Barile purchased the property 20 years ago for…

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