Message from the President, by Donna Littlefield
Updated November 23, 2020
Dear Members,
There has been a lot of chatter on social media regarding rumors (which are NEVER good) that the state may be placed in the Red Zone by the Governor. As of this email, we are operating under the Orange Zone level, which I explained in my last message. However, there is always a possibility that an area or all of the state may move into the Red Zone. Below is the official guidance from the Empire State Development (ESD) corporation as it pertains to real estate:
“Real estate services shall be conducted remotely for all transactions, including but not limited to title searches, appraisals, permitting, inspections, and the recordation, legal, financial and other services necessary to complete a transfer of real property; provided, however, that any services and parts therein may be conducted in-person only to the extent legally necessary and in accordance with appropriate social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting protocols; and nothing within this provision should be construed to allow brokerage and branch offices to remain open to the general public (i.e. not clients).”
Please note that our state association is having an emergency meeting of their Directors next week to get more clarification and guidance from the Governor's office. In the interim, there is nothing any individual or group can FIGHT against if our area or the state goes into the Red Zone. As far as information and guidance regarding our business, please refer to the BNAR site, I promise that I will keep you and our membership updated and informed.
Stay safe and practice all CDC guidelines.
Sincerely,
Donna Littlefield,
BNAR President 2020
I am available, 24/7/365 so please feel free to email me
Updated As of November 17, 2020.
The ESD guidelines are still in effect.
Back to Business. Shop Safe. Shop Smart. Shop Erie County
Shop 716 eGift cards. They do not expire and they can be texted, emailed or printed after purchase for use. The dollars stay local and benefits our participating local independent shops, restaurants, and attractions and you don't have to be an Amherst Chamber member to purchase them. There is also a BOGO promotion until November 30 or while supplies last. Visit www.amherst.org/shop716 for more information or email shop716@amherst.org with questions.
Help Bring Joy this Season
Help support our BNAR Presidents Charity and purchase your holiday gifts at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile ON in the app and Amazon will make a donation. Make a difference this holiday. Shop for gifts at SmileAmazon to generate donations for the Downs Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York.
Committees Now Forming
Do you want to be involved in the decisions that affect your business, livelihood and/or planning activities? The Committee sign-up form is now available click here! Please return it by November 27, 2020 to Debbie Norman at dnorman@bnar.org
BNAR Awards
The BNAR is accepting nomination forms for the REALTOR and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE of the Year Awards! Nominate yourself or someone else who goes beyond the real estate industry, and works in the community. Here is the criteria for the REALTOR and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE of the Year Award. Deadline for submission is November 27, 2020.
Covid 19 Safe Showings and Best Practices
The BNAR Realtors Issues Committee and the Executive Team produced Safe Showing Instructions and our 2020 Best Practices to give you additional guidance through this time. The New York State Association also has issued guidelines and frequently asked questions. Here is the link to NYSAR’s Covid-19 FAQ’s. For more Coronavirus updates and resources use this link.
The BNAR Office is Open by Appointment Only
Please call the BNAR office at 636-9000 to make an appointment or reach out to them via email using the following link. http://www.bnar.org/contact_us/staff/index.html.
New applications and Membership changes can be emailed to mbrown@bnar.org. For Supra, be sure your app is updated. Contact cwalter@bnar.org to make arrangements for lockbox purchases and any other assistance with Supra and for store items.
Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Disclosure Form, that became effective June 20, is to be used the same was as you do for the Agency disclosure form. Also BNAR Members should also use the HUD Equal Opportunity in Housing Logo in all of their advertisements and marketing materials. This would include, but not limited to, listing agreements, housing or rental applications, marketing materials, such as business cards, advertisements in newspapers or electronic media, for rent and for sale signs placed on lawns or property, mailing solicitations, listings of property sold, and any websites that BNAR Members use to promote or advertise their business. Here is a flyer on the Top 10 REALTOR Actions that you can distribute in your Office.
The NY Department of State(DOS) License Renewals
Effective March 27, 2020, pursuant to Executive Order 202.11, any license issued by the Division of Licensing Services or New York State Athletic Commission that expires after that date shall remain in effect until September 5, 2020. Further, the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, has advised that appraisers within New York have been granted a 90-day deferment for meeting continuing education requirements. Any license holder that is eligible to renew and does not need the extension is encouraged to do so; all other license holders may rely on the above extensions. Please note licensees who submit a renewal after the expiration date printed on their license but by September 5, 2020 will see a change in their license term dates upon renewal, however, our office will maintain a record of the EO extension and your license will considered continuous licensure for this period.Visit the Licensing webpage for updates and guidance at https://www.dos.ny.gov
Click the Fair Housing Logo to Watch the NAR Video
This video will highlight scenarios and provide risk management tips.
Is it time to Renew your License?
Here is a video to show you step by step how to renew your license at eAccessNY.
