Message from the President, by Amber Wesser 

Updated July 1, 2021

There’s much to celebrate as we reach the middle of the year. For starters, the summer housing market is in full swing and the State of Emergency has been lifted!

 Add to this increasing open house activity, new listings coming on the market, members will now be able to come to the BNAR and the return of our amazing BNAR staff to the BNAR  office on July 6, and there are more reasons to celebrate.

I think it’s safe to say we’re all excited about the road ahead as we continue to work with our buyers and sellers in this active market.

It is important to note that the State of Emergency ending allows REALTORS® to resume cold calling and other telemarketing activities that had been prohibited for more than a year. This will position us to better serve our buyers and sellers. REALTORS® should take note that the CDC guidelines that remain in effect.

Speaking of guidelines, I want to make you aware that the new Delayed Showing Instructions Guide is now available. The easy-to-read guide answers many of your questions as it helps you with how to use this form. I encourage you to take a few minutes to review the guide. 

We are delighted to welcome Brenda Alesii to the BNAR staff as the new Director of Government Affairs and Public Relations. A changing of the guard of sorts is happening at the Association.  For over 16 years, Director of Government Affairs Dan Locche has represented and fought for REALTOR and homeowner interests at the local, state and federal levels.  He has decided to leave his post, and will be turning over the reins to Brenda.  If her name sounds familiar, it's because she has been on radio and television, written a number of newspaper and magazine articles, has co-authored 7 books, and is Dan's wife.  Brenda has also been active in the political arena, and is well known in governmental circles.  Dan will be assisting Brenda during the transition period so that the BNAR's lobbying efforts will not miss a beat.  Good luck Dan and welcome aboard Brenda!  

One of the best decisions you can make as a REALTOR® is to get involved in your professional association and give back to your industry. It gives you the opportunity to work with your peers at the local, state and national levels to advance the industry. It also deepens your professional knowledge and expands your network of colleagues. If you are interested in serving the REALTOR® organization as a director at the BNAR or NYSAR level, please complete the Nomination Forms.  The BNAR deadline is July 14 and the NYSAR deadline is July 16. I encourage you apply and get involved.

Looking ahead, please keep an eye out for the “Meet your Executive Team” videos and our new BNAR website, which should be live soon.

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

Updated As of June 28, 2021.
The ESD guidelines are still in effect.

Current NYS COVID-19 Real Estate Guidelines Click Here

New Education Requirements for REALTORS
Effective July 1, 2021 Every real estate licensee, including those real estate brokers who had previously claimed exemption of "grandfathering" will need to comply with the state's new Continuing Education requirements. According to the update, the 22 1/2 hours of required continuing education now includes 2 1/2 hours of ethical business practices and 1 hour of legal updates in addition to the previously required 3 hours of Fair Housing training and 1 hour of law of agency(2 hours in the first renewal period for agents).

 

Protocol for BNAR visitors

Since most of the Covid 19 restrictions have been lifted here is the protocol for visiting the BNAR office:
- Appointments preferred, especially for Supra services but are not necessary.
- Visitors must fill out the visitors log and affirm the questionnaire. If you are visiting someone else in the office besides the customer service representative you will still need to check in at the front desk.
- Unvaccinated visitors MUST wear a mask.

 

Fundraiser for Veterans is “Buffalo Home” Ornament

Our next Presidents Charity fundraiser for Veterans is selling a metal “Buffalo Home” ornament that is available for $10.00 each.  You can hang them on your entry way along with your welcome sign or on your mantel. Hang it on a magnet to decorate your refrigerator or file cabinet. Even collect a few to hang on your window or put a few together to create a wind chime.  Hang it on your purse or briefcase or send it to your clients who are moving to Buffalo.  The uses are endless and your purchase helps Veterans for each branch of the military.  This ornament is shaped like a Buffalo with the words home and a house cut out. Call BNAR to get yours.

 

New Member Benefit - Start Imagining Birds - Communication with clients is vital for real estate transactions. Make a powerful and lasting impression with custom Thank You & Note Cards for the real estate industry. Choose the bird photo you would like and they will customize the back of the card with your information. Here is a link to more information.

 

Member Benefit...Education through the CE Shop
The CE Shop gives our members flexibility and control over how to meet your Continuing Education requirements. All our Members benefit from our co-branded course website. This means you have a one-stop shop that lists the courses you need and describes them in full detail so you know what's offered before you enroll. Go to the CE Shop at any time to review and purchase the courses you need. You can start your course immediately or come back to it later. The link is in the ad on the right.

 

New York’s State of Emergency expired on June 24, 2021.
The Executive Order extending the expiration date of licenses is no longer active. Licensees should renew their licenses by going to: https://dos.ny.gov/license-renewal. Please note licensees will not be considered lapsed if renewal applications are submitted within the statutory timeframe for renewals. If you have not yet renewed your license, a license expiration date of June 24, 2021 will be used for the purpose of calculating the statutory timeframe within which you must submit a renewal without having to requalify for a license.

 

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 June 24, 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.Visit the Licensing webpage for updates and guidance at https://www.dos.ny.gov