As the market rebounds, people are looking to rethink their lifestyle, and where they choose to live, the real estate market has also seen a change in what people want in a property due to the pandemic. Features that may not have been a priority are now on the top of people’s lists. When helping clients look for a new property, here are some must-have home features that have been trending as top priorities for buyers in 2020:  Outdoor space: As we still slowly move back towards ‘normal’, our ‘new normal’ of social distancing, wearing masks, and not being inside...

As the month of September highlights Safety for REALTORS®, the NAR has put together everyday REALTOR® safety tips to refresh their knowledge of safety while on the job. While it is important to consider your safety all year round, we’ve compiled some important tips to consider while on the job everyday.  Avoid listing a property as ‘vacant’: Criminals have been known to scour real estate listings in search of properties to target that are currently vacant. In order to deter this threat, make sure both online and on any signage or printed materials on a property that you do not...

A big portion of a REALTORS®’ job includes meeting new prospective buyers and sellers, developing relationships, and showing new acquaintances properties. While interactions between REALTORS® and clients are often straightforward, making sure you take necessary precautions to ensure your safety while on the job should never be overlooked. September kicks off the National Association of REALTORS® safety month, and we have compiled some important safety guidance for REALTORS® to keep you safe while working.  The NAR launched the REALTOR® safety program nearly a decade ago, to educate REALTORS® about potential risks on the job, while also giving them the tools...

As home sales surge in the Mid Hudson Valley, as a reaction to leaving densely populated areas amidst the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are working with a REALTOR®. With a slew of new rules and regulations pertaining to COVID-19 changing nearly daily, ensuring you have a trustworthy, knowledgeable REALTOR® who is aware of these changes will help make this new normal of home buying and selling a smooth process. Read on to learn more about The REALTOR® Difference with Ulster County Board of REALTORS® today! In addition to having up to date information, REALTORS®...

With mortgage rates still at an all time low, and many looking to relocate to a less populated area, homebuying, especially within the Mid Hudson Valley, has skyrocketed amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. But before you put all your eggs in one basket, make sure you have looked at all the fine print in obtaining your mortgage. There are a few things to double check and consider when applying for a mortgage during a pandemic, and ensuring you are aware of these factors will make for a smooth and seamless transaction. Read on to learn more about these important details...

May and June saw a large increase in real estate home sales after a very slow spring, due to people opting to get out of large cities and relocating to smaller towns and rural areas. While most REALTORS® are reporting their markets are in recovery mode, as well as busier than this time last year, REALTORS® are also reporting that they have seen shifting home buying trends of what home buyers are looking for now due to COVID-19. Here’s what REALTORS® are seeing: Potential buyers are in a rush: With lifestyles massively shifting in response to the pandemic, buyers are...

Being involved in local initiatives and supporting your community is an important part of giving back to the place you call home. One of the biggest draws to Ulster County and the surrounding area is not only the abundance of green space & nature parks, but also the tight knit local communities that make up Ulster County. As we are lucky to be able to call Ulster County home, UCBR members are committed to giving back to the local Ulster County community through different community service projects throughout the year.  The most recent community service initiative UCBR has been involved...

With the real estate market rebounding in May and June, one crucial part of buying and selling houses is moving. While it may not be everyone’s favorite task, it’s inevitable that both buyers and sellers will be doing lots of packing and unpacking as they clear out their old residence for the new owners. As we have seen a large increase in market activity in the Mid Hudson Valley & Catskill Region during the past two months of the pandemic, largely in part due to many people wanting to leave densely populated areas such as New York City, it's important...

Fair Housing has been more prominent than ever in the Real Estate Market, especially in light of the recent Black Lives Matter Movement, and the Long Island undercover investigation that was brought to light earlier in the year. Ensuring you understand the Fair Housing Act, and the new legislation that went into effect June 20th to help avoid steering in real estate will also help you make the right recommendations to your clients. Recommendations should always be based on their needs, versus their race, background, religion, gender or disability.  One of the commonly reported practices that clients have experienced in...

Each year, the Ulster County Board of REALTORS® recognizes those REALTORS®  in the Mid Hudson Valley and Catskill Region who are members of the UCBR; and have achieved outstanding performances in both the number of units sold and gross sales. The 2019 results are in, and we want to congratulate these top REALTORS® in the region by recognizing them for their hard work and efforts throughout 2019.  Gross Sales for 2019: 1-2 Million   Lisa Holden- Weichert Realty-The Spiesman Group Eliana Amodio- Win Morrison Realty Erica Valencia- Murphy Realty Group Deborah Medenbach-  Berkshire Hathaway HomeService Nutshell Realty Yvonne Wilder- Halter...