Celebrating Our 2020 Top Performing REALTORS®
Every year we take great pride in celebrating the achievements of our REALTORS®. Working with a great REALTOR® is a true pleasure. The knowledge and expertise of the real estate market paired with a compassionate individual who is skilled at helping their clients find their dream home is something to be proud of. Here at UCBR, we’re excited to elevate our own and help them to continue to crush their
First Time Home Buyer Trends in 2021
The housing market has been experiencing big changes over the past year, and this isn’t expected to change as we jump head first into 2021! This week, we’re diving into some of the trend information for those of our clients buying a first home. One of the best ways to stay ahead of the game in real estate is to know your market inside and out. This will help you
How to Prevent Accidental Fair Housing Violations
Fair Housing laws have changed how REALTORS® do business, ensuring their clients are not experiencing discrimination for things like their age, gender, ethnicity, etc. REALTORS® should go the extra mile in researching and learning about Fair Housing violations, not only to hold themselves to the highest standards in their practice but also to educate their clients as well. To help understand the bigger picture as it pertains to Fair Housing,
Buying a Vacation Home in the Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley vacation rentals typically bring to mind a quaint cottage deep enough in the forest to reconnect with nature and disconnect from technology. A spacious lake house with a plethora of fun activities to entertain the kids isn’t a far fetched idea either. Whether you’re a city dweller that seeks to vacation “off the grid” or a large family looking to spend some quality time together outdoors, the Hudson
Which Neighborhood Should I Live In?
The time has come and you’re considering moving. Perhaps you’ve grown tired of apartment life and have finally saved up enough money for a down payment on a house, or your current neighborhood is feeling a little old hat. Regardless of your situation, asking yourself “which neighborhood should I live in?” can feel intimidating if you don’t already have your sights set on a specific area. Narrowing down the perfect
Why You Should Consider Moving to Ulster County NY
If you’re considering moving to Ulster County, you’re in for a real treat! This NY gem is known for sending visitors head over heels, whether it’s for the gorgeous views and ample outdoor activities surrounding you or the delicious food and drink options. Looking for more specific information about each of the lovely towns that make up Ulster County? We recommend poking around here. You can select any of the
Staying Informed on Fair Housing for Buyers and Renters
Last month we introduced our audience to The Fair Housing Act, an initiative that dates back to 1968. The FHA is integral to protecting the public from discrimination when shopping for a home. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, the Fair Housing Act can help to protect you from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disabilities. Refer to our blog from last month,
Preparing Your House for Sale in Time for Spring
Many of us are eagerly awaiting the longer days and warmer weather that spring has in store for us. Don’t worry! It won’t be long before we can enjoy the warm sunshine and grilling in the backyard again. While springtime is usually something to look forward to, what happens if you’re stressing about preparing your house for sale? The great news is spring can be the best time to sell
2021 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings Will Be Virtual
Charlie Oppler, the 2021 President of the National Association of REALTORS®, confirmed the 2021 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings will be all virtual mainly due to rising cases of COVID-19 in Washington, as well as around the country. You can find a full video from Charlie, complete with a transcript here. The official news release can be found here, where Oppler confirmed what went into this difficult decision. “After careful consideration, the
NAR’s Core Standards Updates on Fair Housing
New and exciting changes are coming to the NAR’s Core Standards for 2021. Fair Housing is an important topic we’ve been focusing on lately and how changes to real estate practice are becoming more inclusive and equitable. Before we dive into the updates, we’ve included some information below on what the Core Standards are and where you can find more in depth information on the requirements. The National Association of
Fair Housing Intro
Have you heard of the ACT Initiative? On January 8th, 2020, the National Association of REALTORS® became an industry leader on fair housing by passing an action plan to advocate for fair housing law and policies. With the goal of protecting housing rights in the US, the ACT Initiative, or Fair Housing Action Plan, focuses on comprehensive training for agents as well as further education for the general public to
Housing Trends for 2021
The new year has officially begun and everyone is on the edge of their seats wondering what 2021 has in store for us. The Ulster County Board of REALTORS® team has been diligently monitoring the ebbs and flows of housing trends as we closed out a historic year in 2020. There are many variables that have roused a flurry of predictions of what the housing market will look like in