What Every REALTOR® Should Know About Fair Housing
While we are all staying safe by staying home, this ‘new normal’ gives up the opportunity to brush up on our real estate knowledge. In celebration of Fair Housing Month, we thought it would be a good time to refresh our understanding of what Fair Housing means, and how vital it is to know the facts in today’s real estate market. The Law on Fair Housing: The Fair Housing Act
Fair Housing Act at Home
April is Fair Housing Month, and here’s what you can do at home! Each year, April is the designated month that REALTORS® observe the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Fair Housing Act is to be abided by all professionals involved in housing sales, rentals and financial processes, to ensure equal opportunity to all prospective house buyers or renters. This year might be more relevant than ever for REALTORS® to
Advice in Navigating the Real Estate Market at Present
During this trying time, it’s hard to not have a sense of uncertainty of when things will get back to normal. While we are practicing social distancing and to remaining at home as much as possible to help do our part in slowing down the effects of COVID-19, we look at advice from the National Association of REALTORS® and New York Times Real Estate expert on navigating the Real Estate
Economist’s outlook of the Spring Market Trends
In light of the current COVID-19 situation globally, Real Estate and Economic experts report that the current spring trends for the Real Estate Market are off to a strong start. With a projected 4% increase in home sales this year, as well as the lower mortgage rates, REALTORS® will be busy this year working with home buyers to find their new home. Real Estate and Economic experts Diana Olick &
Getting the Most Out of an Open Houses
Open houses are a great way to start your home buying journey. If you’re toying with the idea of purchasing a house, but aren’t exactly sure what type of property you would like, visiting open houses to get a sense of what is available on the market, and checking out different areas is a great option. We’ve put together a few tips to consider when visiting an open house, so
The Wellness Trend in Real Estate: What it means to the Real Estate Industry
In the latest news from the National Association of REALTORS®, the wellness trend in real estate has gotten attention, as it has become an increasingly important aspect to many prospective home buyers. The good news for REALTORS® and home buyers alike in Ulster County, is that one of the main draws to the area is the wellness appeal. With the open space, availability of outdoor recreation, locally sourced food, and
Making the Market Work: Marketing Tips for REALTORS®
While the internet has become one of the most highly trafficked resources for consumers to begin their real estate search, ensuring you, as a REALTOR® and your listings stand out online is crucial in this highly saturated space. Communicating your story, value and professionalism is critical in setting yourself apart from the competition. With advice from the UCBR & HVCRMLS, we’ve compiled best practice marketing tips for REALTORS® to help
Will the Market Get the New Home Supply it Needs?
In the annual housing report for 2019, the year rounded out with lower than average housing inventory available for buyers not only in the Hudson Valley and New York State, but also for the entire country, begging the question, “will the market get the new home supply it needs?” At January’s International buying show in Vegas, economists discussed what the low inventory of housing means for the market, and building
Why use a REALTOR®
You’ve made the decision to make Ulster County your next move, and we can relate to that decision: unbelievable beauty, incredible access to outdoor activities, a thriving year round community, while still accessible to New York City. As Ulster County has become a sought out destination for many, it’s easy to succumb to perusing online at what looks like your dream home, and wanting to go check it out. REALTORS®
Making the Market Work: The value of Hudson Valley Catskills Region Multiple List Service (HVCRMLS)
The Council Multiple Listing Service, or more commonly known as ‘CMLS’ is the association that works with over 200 Multiple List Services, or ‘MLS’ throughout the country. The CMLS is committed to providing their MLS members with resources that reflect a high standard of performance and professionalism in the Real Estate Industry, that in turn, build a better marketplace. The UCBR is a part of the local Ulster County MLS,
New York State and Ulster County Housing Report Summary 2019
If you’ve been considering buying in Ulster County, now is the time to get in touch with your local REALTOR® and start getting to work. The 2019 New York State Housing Report Summary is just in. With the strength of the US economy, unemployment reaching a 50-year all time low, and lower mortgage rates, real estate activity was strong in 2019. 2019 showed increased median house prices, lower inventory, and
The Fair Housing Act: the Hot Current Topic in Real Estate
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) was first passed in 1968, as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed as an amendment to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act in 1968 differed from the original Civil Rights Act in 1964, and expanded to include the prohibition of discrimnation of housing sales, rentals and financing based on race, religion, gender, national origin,