With CES 2022 returning to Las Vegas to showcase the newest and biggest trends in the tech world, it’s also a good time to look at what may be on the horizon for technology in real estate. From smart lockboxes, keyless entry doors, always online video security systems, remote monitoring, and even in-home car charging stations, technology is absolutely revolutionizing how the real estate industry works. Ulster County and the Hudson Valley region are known for being very tech-forward and environmentally conscious. There’s an increasing amount of electric vehicles on the road and charging stations are popping up all over....

With news around vaccine mandates making headlines at the local, regional, and national level, it’s important to understand how this relates to you as a REALTOR and to your clients. It’s easy to be confused about how vaccine mandate rules may apply to you, your clients, and even the properties you show and what you need to do to be in compliance. Recently, OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard to establish COVID-19 vaccination, verification, and testing requirements for employers with more than 100 employees. However, even more recently, the Supreme Court blocked that mandate,...

As the unemployment rate continues to drop and the housing marking moves towards stabilization in many areas, there’s a push for the Federal Reserve to increase the interest rate. There is a hope that the interest rate increases will help put a lid on the current rate of inflation.  Presently, we’re in a hot labor market which means employers are paying more to retain employees and most people who are looking for jobs are able to find them. With jobs at elevated levels, and people leaving jobs that they don’t like, this puts the power in the hands of employees...

NAR's Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients' best interests. It is an important part of being a REALTOR®, and sets REALTORS® apart from other real estate business professionals. But there’s a lot more to it than just understanding a document or passing an exam. There are training courses, continuing education, a pledge of performance and service, and a lot more. Let’s dive in to learn a little more...

The Hudson Valley is definitely a booming real estate market, and while it’s a great place to live and call home, it’s also a great place to invest. From tax breaks, passive income, monthly rents and even equity, there are a lot of reasons to invest in real estate in the Hudson Valley in 2022. Read on to learn more! Getting Started The Hudson Valley offers various tax breaks for real estate developments and investors that vary by county, township, and region. These tax breaks are designed to help provide much-needed housing for the area, while also encouraging new business...

The Ulster County Board of REALTORS® is proud to host the Fair Housing Challenge. You can take the Fair Housing Challenge by completing the challenge form. Once completed, email the form to: hvcrmlsforms@gmail.com and put "Fair Housing Challenge" in the subject line. Participation in the Fair Housing Challenge is easy. Simply complete the three components linked below, and then fill out the form and send us an email. - FAIRHAVEN: A REALTOR SIMULATION - IMPLICIT BIAS TRAINING (BIAS OVERRIDE: OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO FAIR HOUSING (VIDEO 53:47) - EARN YOUR AT HOME WITH DIVERSITY (AHWD) CERTIFICATION* *UCBR is offering this class via ZOOM on Feb....

Winter is often seen as a slow time for home sales in the Northeast, however in recent years that trend has definitely changed with the housing market through Ulster County and the Hudson Valley staying hot hot hot all year long! From cozying up the atmosphere to removing holiday decorations, planning for winter storms, and more, we’ve got tips to help you sell your home in winter in Ulster County. Curb Appeal & Lighting Even though it’s winter, curb appeal still counts - and in some ways is even more important than in the warmer months. Beyond keeping driveways, sidewalks,...

Coming home for the holidays in Ulster County is a tradition for many people. Some may have grown up in the region and later moved away, coming back to visit family and friends. Some may have vacation homes here, especially winter vacation homes that offer incredible mountain views for the season, and come to get away during Christmas or Winter Break. Some may live here year-round, having moved here from other areas, leaving behind the big city lights, or seeking out the wonderful sense of community and togetherness that Ulster County has to offer. And others may be born-and-bred lifelong...

When it comes to vacation homes, it’s not only about finding a great summer getaway. Sure, the Hudson Valley is a great place for summer getaways with hiking and rock climbing, fishing, shopping, and a slew of other great things to do but don’t forget about winter! The Hudson Valley and Catskills regions of New York are both a part of Ulster County making winter vacationing up here amazing! But before you purchase your new place, check out our tips for buying a winter vacation home in the Hudson Valley and Ulster County and be sure to work with a...

What is a “fixer upper”? A fixer upper is a property that will require more repair, though it usually can be lived in or used as it is. They are popular with buyers who wish to raise the property’s potential value to get a return on their investment, or as a starter home for buyers on a budget. If you're considering buying a fixer upper, there are a few things to consider. Before you decide to invest in a fixer upper home, you should know the pros and cons to ensure you get the return you deserve from the home....