Message from the President
Hello Members,
Homeownership Must Remain Top National Priority
As this year’s presidential race heats up we are sure to hear from candidates on a number of important issues that will have a great impact on our country and its economy. However, there is one topic in particular this year that is crucial to Americans – homeownership.
Restoring the health of the housing market and supporting homeownership in America will contribute to the economic recovery we so greatly need right now. Housing is a top-of-mind issue for voters, and Realtors would like to see it become a national public policy priority.
Despite seeing early signs of stabilization in the market, creditworthy buyers are being denied their dreams of owning a home because they cannot qualify for a loan. In addition, many homeowners in our area are still struggling with foreclosures and underwater mortgages.
Issues such as foreclosures and access to affordable financing don’t just affect people who own a home – homeownership shapes communities and strengthens the nation’s economy. More must be done to reduce the rising inventory of foreclosed homes and address the lack of available and affordable mortgage financing.
Realtors aren’t the only ones who think the housing market is an important issue in this year’s presidential election. A recent Yahoo! survey found that a majority of Americans, including both renters and homeowners, believe the government should do more to help at-risk homeowners. Another survey by the National Association of Home Builders demonstrated that homeownership is a bipartisan issue in the eyes of potential voters. A majority of those surveyed said the government should do more to support homeownership and were opposed to getting rid of tax benefits for homeowners.
The decision to become a homeowner is a very personal one, but anyone who is willing and able to assume the responsibilities of owning a home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream. As the leading advocate for homeownership, Realtors will continue to urge lawmakers to make sure housing and homeownership issues are a top priority on the nation’s public policy agenda. The American dream of homeownership needs to be alive for generations to come.
Also, don’t ever hesitate to contact me. I have a special email “Ask Amy” for you to keep in touch with me and sending your questions or comments any time, on any subject 24/7/365.
Thank You,
Your President
Amy
Congratulations …
To our Incoming Officers and Directors: Amy Winklhofer, President; Louis Vinci; President Elect; Joe Rivellino, Secretary/Treasurer; John Kopera, Vice President and Mary Ann Kustich, Presidents Advisor. Serving on the Board of Directors for three year terms are Sharon Ciminelli, Bob Ganey, William Higgins and Larry Lentini. Appointed as Regional Director is Elaine McCune representing the Niagara Region and Rebecca VanDorn, representing Genesee Valley.
To our REALTOR® of the Year, Daniel Symoniak, our REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® of the Year, Lisa Avery, and our Buffalo Award to Charles Martorana, BNAR Attorney.
And to this year’s REALTOR® Emeriti; Joseph M. Jayson, Gerald K. Wright, Ann Diana Bishara, Beverly A. James, Joan Frank, and James F. Eagan who will be honored for their forty years of continuous service in the real estate industry at a special luncheon event on March 7, 2012 at the Protocol Restaurant.
Code of Ethics Reminder
If you haven't taken your Code of Ethics training between January 2, 2009 and today then you must complete the training by December 31, 2012 in order to fulfill the Quadrennial Ethics Training third four year cycle. If you have taken the course online or elsewhere, please fax a copy of your letter of completion or certificate to 636-9121 or send to mnawotka@bnar.org. Go to the BNAR calendar to search when the next class is scheduled.
Have clients that need money in order to purchase a home?
The New York State Association of REALTORS provides financial resources for homeownership. For more information and an application go to www.nysarhousingfoundation.com.
The Dream Makers program offers $5,000 in downpayment and closing costs in the purchase of a first home for active duty personnel, veterans, retired members of the military and employees of the US Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. For more information go to www.pentagonfoundation.org. Click on DreamMakers link.
BNAR "Buckles Up Bundles of Love" for Gateway-Longview
BNAR will be collecting new or gently used 6 month old or less car seats. The donated car seats will be given to Gateway-Longview to safely transport foster children. Drop them off at the BNAR or make arrangements for a pick up. Contact Doreen Fahey. Also monetary donations are always welcome and will be used to purchase car seats. Drop off your extra change or check made out to Gateway-Longview to the BNAR.
Help Feed the Hungry
Stopping by the BNAR? Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank of WNY. BNAR continues to collect food for the Food Bank all year long.
