During this unsettling and unusual time, while the majority of the US population has been asked to stay at home in order to flatten the COVID-19 curve and help reduce the spread of the virus, those that are deemed ‘essential workers’ are out on the frontlines everyday helping battle the virus. Right here in Ulster County, we have many essential workers that are putting themselves at risk to help our community stay safe and healthy.  In an effort to both recognize and give back to those on the front lines, the UCBR has been working behind the scenes to help...

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 declares a national policy of fair housing throughout the United States. The law makes any discrimination illegal in regards to the sale, lease or rental of housing, or making housing...

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 brush up on their knowledge of the Fair Housing Act, with the recent 3 year long Long Island Real Estate investigation that came to light in January, uncovering the unequal...

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 Market during the current COVID-19 Pandemic. Currently, Governor Cuomo has put a hold on open houses, in person showings and in person presentations, so we can all do our part...

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 & Nadia Evengelou from the NAR® weigh in.   Spring Market Trends & the Mortgage Market ‘Economic activity early in the year usually provides useful clues about the future,’ states Evengelou. Since Mortgage...

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 that you get the most out of your visits while looking at real estate in Ulster County with your REALTOR®.  Visit multiple open houses: Buying a home is a big...

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 access to amenities such as spas and yoga studios, buying in Ulster County is a perfect place for those who value this lifestyle. Real Estate Journalist, Kaycee Miller, highlights what...

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 your social media and email marketing efforts get noticed by prospective buyers. Social Media: One of the most widely accessed platforms on the internet, if you aren’t using social media...

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 new homes. Buck Wargo, a Real Estate Journalist, reported for the National Association of REALTORS® how this will influence the Real Estate Industry for 2020:    ‘The lagging pace of...

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® are still in business for that very reason, and play a crucial role that can often be overlooked in a digital age where everything, including home buying, is at our...