Message from the President
by Eric Winklhofer

It’s a Great Time to Visit an Open House
The spring buying season is in gear, and this year potential buyers can take advantage of the inventory and record-breaking housing affordability conditions.

Realtors®, members of the National Association of Realtors®, across the country will hold thousands of open houses from coast to coast, aiming to focus attention on the benefits of homeownership for individuals, families, communities and our nation’s economy.

Realtors® will hold open houses in various neighborhoods throughout the Western New York region and will provide guidance for potential buyers and answer questions about the local housing market, as well as the home buying and selling process. If you are interested in purchasing a home, visiting open houses is a great way to get an idea of what you can afford in certain neighborhoods, as well as a taste for what is on the market.

NAR’s 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows that 53 percent of all buyers used open houses as a source in their home search process. This figure suggests the value of open houses even in the Internet era. Women are more likely to use open houses than men, as are buyers who were not born in the U.S. or whose primary language is not English. NAR also reports that older buyers rely more on open houses than younger buyers, and buyers with higher incomes are also more likely to visit open houses.

Realtors® visit hundreds – if not thousands – of homes with buyers each year, and have a unique understanding of what buyers can afford in our local market. Homeownership helps builds financial security over the long term. It’s an investment in your future, as well as the future generations to come.

NAR also recently reported that more renters than ever aspire to become homeowners and an overwhelming majority of Americans believe buying a home is a solid financial decision. Homeownership is even more attractive now with housing affordability conditions reaching their highest level since recordkeeping began in 1970.

Go to www.bnar.org for a list of Realtors® that you can speak to for information and advice about buying a home in 2019.  For a list of open houses go to www.2findyourhome.com.

Want to Join a Leadership Team?
BNAR’s Nominating Committee has been formed and will be hosting a Leadership Luncheon for those wishing to move up the ladder, either as a BNAR  committee vice chair or chair or even a director (certain qualifications for directors).  The chairperson of the committee is Rebecca VanDorn, with members Gary Kenline, Louis Vinci, Alice Miranda and Joel HusVar.  Connect with any of the committee members to discuss your involvement…or call Debbie at the BNAR, 716-636-9000

S.Anthony Gatto's NYSAR Legal Counsel

Here is Anthony's Legal Update Presentation in PDF Format

Presentations from May 1st Economic Forecast Event
Here are the presentations, click on their names to see their presentations:
Jessica Lautz - NAR VP of Demographics and Behavioral Insights

Jaison Abel - AVP & Function Head Federal Reserve Bank of NY

A New Message from your our Education Chairperson Rose DeGeorge

Here is a short message from your BNAR Education Chairperson, Rose DeGeorge! Come home for your Education!

CALL TO ACTION - Please Help
ATTENTION BNAR members – a Call for Action is needed! The state Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo are considering an increase in a statewide real estate transfer tax AGAIN! We need YOU to send an email to the Governor, your state Senator and Assemblyperson in opposition.

To submit a Call for Action email, click here: http://bit.ly/2FvgmeH.