Message from the President, by Amber Wesser 

Updated February 3, 2021

Dear BNAR colleagues,

It’s been nearly a year since we first heard the term COVID-19. In that time, we’ve adapted as REALTORS® and adopted new procedures for keeping ourselves and our consumers safe, while continuing to list and show homes.

Similarly, the staff at the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS® quickly adapted to our new collective reality and continued to deliver its high level of member service, while keeping the staff and members safe.

As a member of the leadership team last year, I can tell you the top priority of our CEO, John Leonardi, and his staff at the time of the initial shutdown was to quickly set up a remote operation that ensured BNAR continued to deliver its services without interruption. When the housing market resumed, our association staff members were there to support the us as we returned to business.

As the calendar turns to February, progress is being made, albeit slowly, in the battle against COVID-19. Unfortunately, we are forced to acknowledge the reality that it will be many more months before we’re able to meet in-person for association events or be able just “drop in” to ask staff a question.

I thought it would be a good time to offer you a reminder that the BNAR staff members are available every weekday to answer your questions by email or phone. Whether they are taking your call at their office desk or their home desk, they will help you with your questions, assist you with any concerns, and ensure you are getting the most out of your membership. BNAR receives a high volume of member calls every day, so don’t hesitate to leave a voice message. They will get back to you as soon as they are able. We are fortunate to have an experienced and expert staff. They are a great resource for all of us.

At this time, members may only come to the office by appointment. These appointments may be made by calling 636-9000 or by emailing staff members using the directory found here: http://www.bnar.org/contact_us/staff/index.html. Please know that John and his management team are constantly monitoring federal, state and Center for Disease Control guidance to inform their actions in safeguarding the health of members and staff as well as the ability to safely reopen the office.

If you joined the association after the pandemic started, I’m sure you are still learning about BNAR and how to take full advantage of all your membership benefits. I would suggest reviewing the staff list and using it as your guide for getting answers to your questions. Of course, if you’re not sure who to call, just call the office and they will connect you with the staffer best suited to assist you.

I know we’re all looking forward to the day we can get together for a BNAR event and freely visit the office. Until then, John and the team will continue to be on duty every day in support of our business success.

Sincerely,

Amber Wesser,
BNAR President 2021
I am available, 24/7/365 so please feel free to email me

Updated As of February 23, 2021.
The ESD guidelines are still in effect.

Current NYS COVID-19 Real Estate Guidelines Click Here

Congratulations BNAR Incoming Leadership
Congratulations to Amber Wesser who was installed as 2021 BNAR President on February 22, 2021 along with the installation of incoming Officers, Joel Husvar as President Elect, Rosalind Burgin as Secretary Treasurer, William Soffel as Vice President, Donna Littlefield as Immediate Past President, Gary Kenline as Presidential Advisor and John B. Leonardi as BNAR Chief Executive Officer. Incoming Directors are Stephanie Fiorentino, Margaret Fisher, Margaret Hartman, Shannon McNichol; Directors at Large Peter Hunt representing Hunt Real Estate, Nan Malysza representing Howard Hanna and Regional Director Jamie Mendel-Kolb. 

2FindYourHome offering Matterport 3D Tours
No more waiting for the weekend to tour a home. Homes listed with 3D virtual tours spend up to 31% less time on the market. Take advantage of 2FindYourHome Visual Property Services - Matterport - Photography and Drone. Here is the link to more information. To learn more contact Linda at ldoane@bnar.org or call 716-636-9000 Xt.122. 

Congratulations to our First Recipients of the BNAR Specialist Designation
Congratulations to Ann Croakman, Gary Gossel, Vienna Haak, Brian McMillen, Lynn Shaftic-Averill, and Alisha Alfano being the first group to graduate the prestigious Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS Residential Specialist Designation course. 


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. Visit www.amherst.org/shop716 for more information or email shop716@amherst.org with questions.

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 February 26, 2021. 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.