During this very unique year as well as the holiday season, the Ulster County Board of REALTORS® community service team and all of our members are committed to helping our local community, those less fortunate, and those in need. Giving back to Ulster County is an important part of our work and we’re happy to be part of such a great community. We know how important this is, especially during the holidays. While many of us are very lucky to call Ulster County our home, it's important that we can make a difference to our whole community. The UCBR, as...

On November 19, 2020 the Ulster County Board of REALTORS® held their annual meeting where officers for Hudson Valley Catskill Region MLS as well as UCBR were announced for 2021. Industry news and updates were covered, and the REALTOR® of the Year was announced! We’re proud to announce the recipient of the REALTOR® of the Year Award is Mary Ann Miller of Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty. Congratulations, Mary Ann! The criteria for selection of REALTOR® of the Year include four key areas that are reviewed when making a nomination. The award focuses on the 2020 REALTOR® who has shown...

If like many consumers, you have contemplated selling your home during the pandemic boom, and want to ensure you can get the best price in this seller’s market, you are not alone. As the Mid Hudson Valley has seen a huge surge in home sales, it is a great time to put your home on the market. But getting the best price does require the seller being realistic in what their home value is in terms of if it's turn key ready or needs some work. If you need to do a little bit of updating, there are some easy...

We’ve had our first snowfall of the season and daylight savings, which only means one thing: winter is on the way. As the season changes and the temperature drops, it is important that you take the time before it gets too cold to prepare your home for the upcoming winter months. Not doing so could lead to some unfortunate trouble during the coldest time in the season, and an unnecessary large repair bill. Whether you are looking to winterize your existing residence, need assistance with your house that's for sale - especially if you've already relocated out of the region...

When choosing the right place to settle down, there are often many factors that buyers consider when making their real estate decisions. Much of these factors rely on personal preferences, whether you have a family or not, whether you want to be in a rural area or something in town, and budget. For families, one major part of their buying decision will be based on the school district that the property is located within. With private school tuitions soaring, families are more interested in sending their children to public schools. But ensuring they have access to a top notch public...

The Real Estate market has rebounded in leaps and bounds as a response to consumers moving away from densely populated areas. With this unprecedented demand, and a shrinking supply, this has driven the median home price up across much of the US causing REALTORS® to learn to manage real estate expectations of both buyers and sellers to ensure the best experience possible. The Hudson Valley has become a popular destination in response to the pandemic, due to its proximity to New York City, and has seen both home and rental prices soar. As buyers list and sellers look to buy,...

The National Association of REALTORS® has always gone above and beyond in ensuring that their members adhere to the Code of Ethics, which has higher standards than the industry norm. Within the Code of Ethics, the NAR has always ensured that Fair Housing is a core part of their standards with a focus on real estate equality. Their Fair Housing standards have always gone above the basic standards, to ensure that all REALTORS® are doing as much as they can to ensure their businesses are inclusive to all. As 2020 has become a year that has brought much attention to...

It’s no secret that Ulster County has some of the most sought after landscapes and vistas to enjoy in the Mid Hudson Valley. The fall season is notoriously one of the most popular, with the autumnal colors, fall foliage and bountiful local farms. While this year has been vastly different than previous years, there are still safe and fun ways to safely explore Ulster County this fall season. Make sure you have your mask on or handy, and that you keep in mind maintaining the six feet of social distancing when out in public, regardless if you are out in...

It’s no secret that real estate has been rebounding over the past few months as a direct result of consumers moving out of metropolitan areas to less densely populated areas. This has been fantastic for REALTORS®, especially when it comes to the Northeast and Mid-Hudson Valley home sales. The surge of sales has allowed the market to recover at an alarming rate, as well as see its highest level of home sales since the housing boom in 2006.  The Northeast, in particular, has seen the highest rate of sales within the country over the past three months.  Homes sales have...

We’ve seen a large increase in the amount of business that is done online because of the pandemic. For REALTORS®, much of buying and selling homes has moved online, with virtual showings, people searching listings online versus in person, and meeting with clients via Zoom or Facetime. The more time spent online, generally means more information is available on the web. While it is easy to just post information online, especially information regarding your listings and contact information, don’t get too comfortable with posting too much information. Too much information may backfire for you, resulting in potential identity theft, theft...