Fellow REALTORS® ! Real estate professionals and industry trends are banking on people getting out and traveling more this spring and summer. As people are gearing up for their travel plans, we guarantee their minds aren’t going to be on their honey-do list they’ve been pushing to the side. Instead of doing their own research and putting the time into DIY projects, home remodeling trends are predicting people would rather save their own time and hire a professional instead.   Clare Trapasso wrote the following in a Realtor.com news article “Remodeling Expected To Remain Hot, Even as the Pandemic Eases”:...

Are you looking for ways to get more involved with your local community and support Fair Housing in April? After all, it’s Fair Housing Month! At UCBR, we’re dedicating April to supporting our fellow REALTORS® by sharing Fair Housing resources and encouraging growth within our circles. There’s always something new to learn and we take pride in helping educate by sharing important information.   UCBR has multiple Fair Housing blogs published, which we’ve linked below. These blogs are perfect for an introductory refresher coupled with a fun history lesson when learning about the origins of the Fair Housing Act!  ...

The birds are starting to sing early in the morning and the soft sounds of crickets and owls are alive and well at night. Spring is officially here and we’re ready to welcome the warmer weather and sunshine! With the winter blues behind us, it’s time to start thinking about spring maintenance for your home. Using spring cleaning is an easy way to remember to do some of these annual tasks that are important for keeping your house and property in tip top shape. These tips are especially helpful if you’re preparing to sell your home this spring as well....

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 goals.   On March 25th, the team at UCBR got together on a Zoom call to congratulate our own on their accomplishments and to discuss company-wide updates and developments. We...

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 be your client’s #1 resource and make the home buying process that much smoother. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it.   First Time Home Buyer Trends in 2021...

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, let’s jump right in.   Fair Housing Laws | A Quick Introduction The origination of Fair Housing goes all the way back to 1968, right when the Civil Rights Act...

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 Valley has a great selection of vacation rentals: from rustic log cabins to the luxurious farmhouse.   If you’ve fallen in love with the Hudson Valley and have been there,...

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 neighborhood can be exciting once you figure out what is most important to you. If you’re not fond of where you’re living now, this is the perfect time to wipe...

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 towns in Ulster County for quick stats, a little history, and some fun facts. Making a big move can seem daunting, but we’re confident you’ll find your own little slice...

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, linked above, for more information on the history of how this act came about, as well as additional resources you might find helpful. So you’re ready to start the process...