Viewpoints

Jennifer Maher

PUTNAM POSTING: Primary Season is Here—A Call For Participation

August 9, 2017

After a few years of living in Putnam County, I learned that to have a say in local elections you had to vote in the primary, and historically the Republican candidate would win. After a few years, I became a Republican to have a choice of who would wind up in whatever office was being…

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Philip Weiden

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Crisis Exposes Staggering Pension Costs

August 3, 2017

Repairs on the MTA rail system have not been made because of a supposed lack of a revenue stream. This is simply false according to Nicole Gelinas, a senior fellow of the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor to the Manhattan Institute’s City Journal. Gelinas, who is also a columnist with the New York Post,…

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Dorothy Botsoe

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: A Look at Today’s Mortgage Process

July 24, 2017

The foundation of all successful real-estate deals is the finance package. This is where everything you have worked so hard for to help close your deal can get derailed. I thought this was a good time to take a look at mortgages with one of Westchester’s most knowledgeable mortgage specialists, David Valcich of Associated Mortgage…

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Richard Haggerty

GATEWAY PERSPECTIVES: Setting the Bar Much Higher

July 18, 2017

I recently returned from a state conference of Realtor Association executives that featured a broad spectrum of speakers who addressed a myriad of topics that currently confront our industry. One of the speakers was Aleks Velkoski, data scientist and a member of the Data Analytics Group of the National Association of Realtors. Aleks, as his…

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Leon Cameron, Esq.

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: A Refresher on Article 3 of the Realtor Code of Ethics

July 14, 2017

It is well known that Article 3 of the Realtor Code of Ethics deals with cooperation, surely an underpinning of an ethical real estate practice and a fluid marketplace. However, not all may be familiar with the nuances that are part and parcel of this rule of ethics. Article 3 closely resembles fiduciary law in…

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Philip Weiden

Legislative Affairs: Support Reform of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 6, 2017

Under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), attorneys may collect fees related to pursuing claims of non-compliance of the law but plaintiffs are not permitted to collect damages. Lawsuits often target easily correctible infractions such as signage, soap dispenser heights and transition lifts on ramps. Owners of these properties often have a…

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Richard Haggerty

GATEWAY PERSPECTIVES: Thank You!

June 16, 2017

We are taught at an early age by our parents and teachers to always say please and thank you. Alas, sometimes as we grow older we forget the common courtesies in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but we should not forget to show our appreciation to the HGAR members who give up so…

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Dorothy Botsoe

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Where Are We Now? A Recap of the First Six Months

June 9, 2017

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” Napoleon Hill There’s a biblical phrase my mother used to often say to me “To whom much is given much is expected,” and after my first six months as HGAR President I totally believe she continues to be right! We have come a long way…

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Jennifer Maher

PUTNAM POSTING: Embracing Religious Organizations as a Viable Economic Driver

June 6, 2017

Recently, we discussed Putnam County’s not-for-profits and how the business community could best support and enhance their efforts. To extend that topic further, perhaps we should consider promoting Putnam County as a hub for religious organizations. People may not realize it, but Putnam County is home to some rather large religious organizations. One of my…

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Dorothy Botsoe

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: Our Victories Require Hard Work and Participation

May 22, 2017

“Go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.” – Jimmy Carter It's May and our real estate season is off to a good start! But to keep bearing "good fruit," we must keep the pressure on our state legislators to promote our agenda and I urge all Realtors to come together for our…

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Richard Haggerty

GATEWAY PERSPECTIVES: Déjà Vu All Over Again

May 11, 2017

I know. We often sound like a broken record. “Please contribute to the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC)--It’s your safety net and insurance policy concerning Realtor issues and homeownership interests.” “Please respond to NAR’s most recent call to action—you need to let your legislative leaders know how important maintaining the mortgage interest deduction is, or…

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Jennifer Maher

PUTNAM POSTING: Consolidated Funding Applications, 2017 Edition

May 9, 2017

“CFA” has been a buzzword in state politics for awhile, yet few seem to understand it or what it means. With the process now in its seventh year, the New York State website states, “The CFA (or Consolidated Funding Application) process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy…

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Philip Weiden

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Don’t Panic, Take Action on Tax Reform

May 4, 2017

Tax reform has been proposed. Do not panic yet. Why do I say that? Because even though the Trump Administration has laid out the tax reform proposal, Congress has not weighed in as yet. In order for long-term tax reform to work where deductions are eliminated or modified, the Senate needs 60 votes. Right now…

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Dorothy Botsoe

PRESIDENT'S CORNER: All Customers Are Entitled to Our Best

April 18, 2017

“Achievement has no color.” ― Abraham Lincoln It’s Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity Month for Realtors and in our line of business it is not acceptable to consider a client’s race, or make ethnic judgments that would adversely impact our customers. We must continue to treat all buyers and sellers as equals in every aspect…

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Richard Haggerty

GATEWAY PERSPECTIVES: Legacies: Henry "Hank" Fries

April 11, 2017

Last Friday (April 7th) the Realtor community lost an invaluable leader, an industry advocate, and a great friend, Henry W. “Hank” Fries. I had the true privilege to have known Hank for over 30 years, back when he headed the commercial division for Houlihan Lawrence Inc., prior to striking out on his own as a…

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Jennifer Maher

PUTNAM POSTING: Small County, Big Obstacles

April 11, 2017

The 7th annual gathering of Putnam County leadership was held on April 2 at the Spain Cornerstone Park in Carmel. Federal, state, county, town and village elected officials attended an informal roundtable conversation on items the Putnam County Chamber considers its legislative priorities. A lively exchange ensued and some action items were identified. From the…

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John Dolgetta, Esq.

The ‘On or About’ Closing Date and ‘Time of the Essence’ Letter

April 11, 2017

Important Elements of The Real Estate Transaction: Real estate closings in parts of New York State do not always go as smoothly as one would like. In many other states, real estate transactions are handled primarily by the real estate agents and not the attorneys, who negotiate the offers between sellers and buyers and primarily…

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