GCAR 0115revised6 - Greater Capital Association of REALTORS

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ACROSS THE
CARING
COMMITTED
COMMUNITY-MINDED
Association
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER CAPITAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
Introducing GCAR 2015 Board of Directors!
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Across the Association
Official Publication of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®
451 New Karner Road
Albany, New York 12205
(518) 464-0191 • Fax: (518) 464-0196
“The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade
association which provides its members with programs and services which
enhance the members‘ ability to successfully conduct their businesses in a
competent and ethical manner, promotes cooperation among its members,
and promotes the public‘s right to own, use and transfer real property.”
THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN NEW YORK‘S CAPITAL REGION.
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www.gcar.com
E-mail: support@gcar.com
The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® makes no warranties and
assumes no responsibility for the accuracy on the information contained
herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions
of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®.
The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® does not necessarily endorse
the companies products or services advertised in the newsletter unless
specifically stated.
OFFICERS
President – Cathy Griffin
President Elect – Marie Bettini
Secretary/Treasurer – Joel Koval
Chief Executive Officer – Laura Burns
Edward Barber
Jill Birdsall
Jay Christiana
Jeffrey Decatur
Joseph Farry
Tony Garufi
Tom McGroder
DIRECTORS
Mark Phoenix
Al Picchi
Cynthia Quade
Susan Sommers
Elise Van Allen
Jennifer Vucetic
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JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
Table of Contents
4
5
6-7
8
8
10
11
11
12
13
14
15
With The President
GCAR and Habitat for Humanity
2015 GCAR Installation
WCR Report
Save the Date – CIREB
CIREB Corner
GCAR COF Contributions
Sympathies Are Extended To
Sprinkler Disclosure
New GCAR Members
Thank You to Committee Volunteers
GCAR and Toys for Tots
ADVERTISERS
Times Union..........................................................................2
CAP COM Federal Credit Union..............................................5
The Home Inspector LLC........................................................9
1st Bank of Scotia..................................................................9
Spire Inspections...................................................................9
Arnoff Moving, Storage & Rigging......................................15
NYSAR.................................................................................16
WITH THE PRESIDENT
I am honored to serve each of you
as the President of the Greater Capital
Association of REALTORS® for 2015. I
understand and appreciate that the
office has been held by some of the
brightest and most capable REALTORS®
in the area and I am committed to do
my best to continue the legacy.
C ATHY GRIFFIN – 2015 GC AR PRESIDENT
But perhaps even more important,
I understand the changes that are
happening fast in our industry and
how GCAR can make a real difference
in the lives, careers and businesses
of our membership during 2015. As
always, the aim of GCAR is to not only
to meet but to exceed the needs of the
members. If that is accomplished, we
will also take care of the wants of the
consumer. Our goals for the year are
all about the members: to increase
the value of being a REALTOR® in
GCAR and to increase the involvement
of the members. As an organization
with a solid strategic plan and strong
participation from as many of our
nearly 3000 members as possible, we
will be successful in our endeavors.
With that in mind, I encourage you to
participate in your association through
many different avenues from serving
on committees, attending our many
training and networking events and
providing your valuable input.
A couple of new endeavors for the
year that I would like to mention: We
started off the year with Leadership
training for our Board of Directors
and Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs
from Adorna Carroll; a nationally
known trainer, providing us with a
blueprint of best practices for our
association. With the assistance of
our Education Committee members,
4 Across the Association
we will be offering a diverse number
of classes and seminars through
the Capital Region School for Real
Estate Professionals. We plan, in
the Spring, to provide a one day
Technology Conference through the
National Association of REALTORS®
in addition to our popular REALTOR®
Day which is traditionally held in the
Fall. In addition, we are extremely
excited to be reactivating our Young
Professional Network with many
new committee members becoming
involved for the first time. While most
members are under 40, there can be
no age restrictions and they define
their membership as: young in age,
young in experience or young at heart,
so I think I can safely say that that
includes all of us!!
Overall, the housing market has
shown steady advances over previous
years. In 2014, the real estate market
had a build-up of housing momentum,
fueled by significant improvements
in economic fundamentals and low
mortgage rates, that will likely translate
into larger gains in 2015. Realtor.com
predicts that an improving economy
coupled with a decline in distressed
sales and returns to normal price
appreciation will help drive a stronger
housing market in 2015.
We have many challenges and
opportunities ahead of us in 2015 and
I am looking forward to working with
you to achieve our common goals.
Best wishes for a healthy and
prosperous year!
Cathy
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
GCAR Teams
Up With
Habitat for
Humanity
Members of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®
help build a brighter future and safer housing by teaming
up with Habitat For Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc.
On Wednesday, November 12th 2014, over 20 REALTORS®
assisted in the rehabilitation and remodeling of a home
located at 2104 Van Vranken Avenue in Schenectady.
GCAR members helped paint and repair the 4 bedroom,
2 bathroom, 2184 sqft. home. The building was previously a
two-family duplex that has been converted into a spacious
one family home.
Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County partners
with working families, sponsors, and communities to
build safe, decent, affordable homes and to provide
support services that promote successful home purchase
and ownership.
As one of 1,500 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity
International, Schenectady Habitat is a nonprofit
organization that works throughout Schenectady County
to bring generous donors and hardworking volunteers
together with qualified, working families. The result is
dramatic, positive differences in the lives of family members
and in neighborhoods.
Schenectady Habitat has helped 44 families achieve
home ownership. Within the next twelve months,
volunteers will complete four more homes, both new
construction and rehabs, for deserving families.
Photography provided by
C.A. Moore Photography
2 0 1 5 G C A R I N STA L L AT I O N
GCAR Installs 2015 Board of Directors
On Thursday, January 8, 2015 the Greater Capital
Association of REALTORS® installed the 2015 Board
of Directors at a reception held at Sixty State Place in
downtown Albany.
award. Susan Sommers, Associate Real Estate Broker with
Better Homes & Gardens, Tech Valley, was named 2014
REALTOR® of the Year.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan performed the swearing in
ceremony for newly elected officers and directors.
Many thanks go to outgoing GCAR Directors, Miguel
Berger, Kelly Gardner, Brooke Hackler and Lori Schindler
for their years of service.
Cathy Griffin, Associate Broker at Keller Williams Realty
Capital District, was installed as the 2015 GCAR President.
Many thanks to the 2015 Installation Committee!
Other officers and directors installed include PresidentElect, Marie Bettini of Albany Realty Group; SecretaryTreasurer, Joel Koval of RealtyUSA.com; Jill Birdsall of
RealtyUSA.com; Jay Christiana of Prudential Manor Homes,
REALTORS®; Anthony T Garufi, Fraida Varah Real Estate
Group; Tom McGroder of Thomas J. Real Estate, Inc.; Susan
Sommers of Better Homes & Gardens, Tech Valley; and
Jennifer Vucetic of Better Homes & Gardens, Tech Valley.
Seated in front
Cathy Griffin, 2015
GCAR President,
Standing - Left to
Right: Nancy Klopfer,
Tracey Slupski, Cathy
Cooley, Laura Burns,
Kathleen Sullivan
and Sandy Nardoci
The association also recognized Liz Schultheiss of
RealtyUSA.com as the recipient of the Ralph P. DuPont
Susan Sommers Receives REALTOR® of the Year Award
Liz Schultheiss Receives Ralph P. DuPont Award
The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® recognized
Susan Sommers, Better Homes and Gardens, Tech Valley, as
its 2014 REALTOR® of the Year. Sommers was presented the
award during the annual Installation reception, which was
attended by over 200 of her real estate peers.
2013 REALTOR® of the Year, Victoria Gettings, RealtyUSA.
com, Clifton Park, presented the award to Ms. Sommers
noting her service to both the real estate profession and
her community. Ms. Sommers has been licensed for over 26
years and is a Licensed
Associate Broker. She is
a past President of the
Capital Region Chapter
of the Women’s Council
of REALTORS® and is a
Director for the Boys
& Girls Club of Albany.
She has also served
on various GCAR committees, including chairing the
Grievance Committee and REALTOR® Day Committee. Ms.
Sommers has also served as Director of CRMLS and GCAR.
6 Across the Association
GCAR also honored Liz Schultheiss, RealtyUSA.
com, Saratoga Springs – Broadway, with the Ralph P.
DuPont Award. The
Award recognizes an
individual’s activities
and services to GCAR
and the real estate
industry, past and
present. With over 21
years of real estate
experience, in both
sales and management, Ms. Schultheiss, is an Associate
Broker, Manager for RealtyUSA.com, and has served the
Capital Region MLS as a volunteer instructor, tech advisor
and on the Board of Directors for several terms and now
serves as President, during some challenging times. Liz
has put in countless hours of volunteer time to both
GCAR and CRMLS, making her an ideal recipient of this
year’s Dupont award.
Congratulations Susan and Liz!
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2015 INSTALLATION CORPORATE SPONSORS
Homestead Funding Corporation
Keller Williams Capital District
RealtyUSA.com
Albany Realty Group | Coldwell Banker Prime Properties
Prudential/Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Sciocchetti & Abbott, PLLC | SEFCU | Times Union
Outgoing GCAR President, Al Picchi,
RealtyUSA.com, looks back on 2014.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan gives the
oath of office to Cathy Griffin, Keller
Williams, Capital District
Susan Sommers, Better Homes & Gardens
Tech Valley recognized as the 2014
REALTOR® of the Year.
Liz Schultheiss, RealtyUSA.com awarded the
Ralph Dupont Association Service Award. Left
to right: Liz Schultheiss, Laura Burns, GCAR
CEO, Victoria Gettings, 2014 REALTOR® of the
Year Committee Chair.
GCAR CEO Laura Burns, GCAR CEO Emeritus,
Jim Ader and his wife Kathy.
Marie Bettini, Albany Realty Group, gives
the invocation.
Across the Association
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015 7
WCR REPORT
Hello,
My name is Dot Peyron, and I am your
2015 President of the Capital Region
Chapter of the Women’s Council of
REALTORS®. I work for Amedore Homes, selling new
construction in several different new communities
throughout the Capital Region. I love what I do, and I feel
like I won the game every day when I go to work!
The Capital Region Women’s Council of REALTORS® is a
network of successful REALTORS®, advancing women as
professionals and leaders in business, the industry, and
the communities we serve.
With our ever changing real estate market, we face
tough competition, along with informed, demanding
clients. I, along with our dedicated WCR Board members,
am excited to partner with an excellent sponsors,
affiliates, and REALTORS® Members of the Capital Region
and connect with top professionals in the industry and
together build our businesses.
If you would like to talk further, or if you have ideas
you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to call or email
me anytime!
Kind Regards,
Dot Peyron
President 2015, WCR Capital Region Chapter
518.588.2414
dotpeyron@amedorehomes.com
This year we have a great Calendar
of Events planned, including:
FEBRUARY 24TH - Self Defense Program
MARCH 11TH - Annual Breakfast of Champions
APRIL 22 - Fair Housing Awareness/International
Sales Program
MAY 5 - Cinco de Mayo Mixer-w/ CRBRA
JUNE 3RD - Annual WCR Golf Outing
JULY 15TH - RPAC Fundraiser
AUGUST 25TH - Mixer with MBA- (Saratoga National)
SEPTEMBER - Attorney/Lender Panel
OCTOBER 22ND - Annual Bras for a Cause (Saratoga
National)
NOVEMBER 18TH - Builders Panel
DECEMBER 14TH - Year End Recap- Strategic
Planning Board Meeting
SAVE THE DATE
Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Broker’s Inc. Second Annual
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE IN THE CAPITAL REGION AN INSIDER’S LOOK
MARCH 31, 2015 5:30PM | CENTURY HOUSE, ROUTE 9 LATHAM, NY
Learn about the latest local market trends and
local common practices from our panel of seasoned
real estate professionals in the areas of Retail, Office,
Industrial, Multi-Family and Investment Real Estate.
8 Across the Association
Email Kelly Pierce for More Info kpierce@cireb.com
Follow us on Twitter @cirebNYS
Facebook www.facebook.com/CIREBNY
Visit www.cireb.com (P) 518-464-0194
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
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Lawrence McGann
CIREB CORNER
On The Calendar
2015 CIREB Marketing Sessions
January 9th – British American
February 5th – Lunch – Trinity Realty Group
March 5th – Prudential Blake Commercial
CIREB in Review
CIREB ended the 2014 year with a holiday party and
fundraiser at the Fort Orange Club in Albany. While
enjoying a fabulous buffet and hours of good cheer, CIREB
members generously raised
over $1,400 for the Alzheimer’s
Association.
April 2nd – CBRE ~ Guest Speaker Mike Kelly Dir of
Government Affairs, NYSAR
March 31, 2015 – Second Annual Commercial Real
Estate in the Capital Region An insider’s Look
June 22, 2015 – CIREB Annual Golf Outing &
Fundraiser Saratoga National Golf Club
CIREB Welcomes
New Members
Pic L to R newly elected board member
Chris Farrell finds a mentor in CIREB
past-president ’93 Robert Freedman
Broker Membership
CIREB’s January Marketing
Session was hosted by British
American at the Shaker Ridge
Country Club.
Members
were treated to a beautiful
breakfast, including an
omelet station, as they got
a first-hand glimpse of the newest project called British
American Plaza, a proposed 4 building, Class A office park
featuring 71% green space, covered executive parking
and more. Call Spencer Jones at 786-6000 for more
information.
David Wilson – David Wilson Real Estate
Congratulations 2015 Elected Officers:
Jessica Richer ~ President
Spencer Jones ~ Vice president
Felton McLaughlin ~ Secretary/Treasurer
2015 Elected Directors
Chris Farrell ~ Vanguard Fine
Brenda Garretson ~ CBRE
Athena Pagnotti ~ Prudential Blake Commercial
Matthew Richardson – Matthew Richardson REALTOR®, Loudonville
Sharlene Doherty – Sharlene Doherty Realty, Albany
Associate Membership
Harold Baldwin – CKM Team Realty, Schenectady
Joseph Bottillo – RealtyUSA, Albany
Felicia Cervera – CKM Team Realty, Schenectady
John Dodsworth – Prudential Blake Commercial, Albany
Joseph Lasorsa – CKM Team Realty, Schenectady
Binglin (Ben) Li – Keller Williams Cap District, Latham
Katherine King – Equitas Realty, Saratoga Springs
Kelly Smith Lawless – Keller Williams Cap District, Latham
Michael Manning – Re/Max Capital, Albany
Samantha Monqin – Prudential Blake Commercial, Albany
Nicholas Miuccio – Field Realty, Latham
Deborah Ronco – Bouchard Realty, Latham
Rhonda Reynolds – Prudential Blake Commercial, Lake George
Stephen Rosenblatt – Carrow Real Estate Services, Albany
Allen Van Hoff – RealtyUSA, Queensbury
Gail Weiss – Keller Williams Capital District, Latham
Please visit our website www.cireb.com for
information on joining CIREB Or call Kelly Pierce at
518-464-0194
10 Across the Association
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
GCAR Members’ COF Contributions Continue
to Have an Impact in Our Communities
Thank you for your generous donations to the
Community Outreach Fund in 2014. Amounts
collected enabled GCAR to make contributions to the
following organizations:
Joan Nicole Prince Home - $1,000.00
Northeast Parent & Child Society - $1,000.00
Better Neighborhoods, Inc. - $2,000.00
Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) - $1,500.00
Jr. Achievement of Northeastern NY, Inc. - $1,000.00
Capital City Rescue Mission - $2,000.00
Ronald McDonald House Charities - $2,000.00
Sympathies are extended to:
GCAR member Kathy Gilboy, Realty USA, and her
family on the passing of her husband, Frank Gilboy, who
passed away on October 28, 2014.
GCAR member Don Moore, Better Homes & Gardens,
Tech Valley, and his family on the passing of his father,
Donald Moore, Sr. on January 10, 2015.
GCAR member Joe Farry, Prudential Manor Homes,
and his family on the passing of his brother, Jude Farry,
who passed away on December 5, 2014.
GCAR member Kathleen Sullivan, Keller Williams
Capital District, and her family on the passing of her
sister-in-law, Carla Ann Robillard Sullivan on December
28, 2014
GCAR members Lorraine Schindler, James and
Kristin McClenaghan and their family on the passing
of her husband and their father, George Schindler on
January 1, 2015.
Across the Association
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015 11
Sprinkler Disclosure for Residential
Leases Goes Into Effect
On December 3, 2014, a new law requiring that the
presence of, and maintenance of, residential sprinkler
systems be disclosed on all residential leases in New York.
The text of the new law appears at the end of this article
and can be found in Real Property Law §231-A.
Section 1 of the law requires every residential lease to
contain a “conspicuous notice in bold face type as to the
existence or non-existence of a maintained and operative
sprinkler system in the leased premises.” Section 3 of
the law further requires that “if there is a maintained
and operative sprinkler system in the leased premises,
the residential lease agreement shall provide further
notice as to the last date of maintenance and inspection.”
Since there is no exception for proprietary leases in a
cooperative, they, too, fall under the requirement.
At the very least, every residential lease must contain a
statement in conspicuous boldface type that says:
The leased premises (choose one of the following)
is/is not serviced by a maintained and operative
sprinkler system that was last maintained on __/__/__
and was last inspected on __/__/__.
There is no penalty provision contained in the law, so
until there is a violation, the effect of noncompliance is
unknown.
In response to the signing of the new law, NYSAR
met with the Department of State, Division of Licensing
Services. During the meeting, the new law was brought
to the attention of DOS and the responsibilities of real
estate licensees in complying with the law were discussed
at length. NYSAR proposed that licensees should not be
subject to DOS discipline if a residential lease is signed
without the required disclosure. Based on the precedent
setting case of Duncan & Hill Realty, Inc. v. Department
of State, 62 A.D.2d 690, (4th Dept. 1976), brokers and
12 Across the Association
salespersons are prohibited from providing legal advice
to their clients. As such, brokers and salespersons are not
qualified to, and should not be reviewing, the terms of a
lease or purchase contract for completeness or legality.
NYSAR does not recommend that brokers provide blank
leases for their landlord clients or customers. Brokers that
do so assume additional liability for the content and form
of the lease they are providing. Furthermore, if a broker
provides the landlord with a blank lease to use, it would
have to comply with all laws, rules and regulations for
content, etc. This would mean that if the broker provides
the lease, the broker may be liable if the fire sprinkler
disclosure does not appear conspicuously in bold face
type within the lease.
Brokers that do provide blank leases are doing so at
their own risk and should have the lease prepared and/
or reviewed by competent legal counsel for compliance
with any law, rule or regulation in order to minimize any
potential for liability. Even if the broker is providing a
blank lease purchased from a third party entity.
REAL PROPERTY LAW §231-A. SPRINKLER SYSTEM
NOTICE IN RESIDENTIAL LEASES
1. EVERY RESIDENTIAL LEASE SHALL PROVIDE
CONSPICUOUS NOTICE IN BOLD FACE TYPE AS TO THE
EXISTENCE OR NON-EXISTENCE OF A MAINTAINED AND
OPERATIVE SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN THE LEASED PREMISES.
2. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, “SPRINKLER SYSTEM”
SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANING AS DEFINED IN SECTION
ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE-A OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW.
3. IF THERE IS A MAINTAINED AND OPERATIVE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM IN THE LEASED PREMISES, THE RESIDENTIAL
LEASE AGREEMENT SHALL PROVIDE FURTHER NOTICE AS
TO THE LAST DATE OF MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
WELCOME NEW GCAR MEMBERS
REALTOR® PRINCIPAL BROKER
Agent Connect
Steven Elmer
109 State Street
Albany, NY 12207
AFFILIATE
Berkshire Bank
William Powell
1202 Troy Schenectady Road
Latham, NY 12110
GLOVE CITY REALTY
Anthony Christiano
Domenica Gasbarra
HEER REALTY
Mary Katonah
Driscoll Real Estate LLC
Patricia Driscoll
81 Salem Street
Greenwich, NY 12834
Junk King
Todd Porter
4 Fritz Blvd.
Colonie, NY 12205
HUNT ERA
Ashley Miley
Dionne M. Workman
Karina Zemanek
Hoffman Home Realty LLC
Ryan Hoffman
2523 6th Ave.
Watervliet, NY 12189
REALTOR® NON-PRINCIPAL
BLISS PROPERTIES
Kahryn O’Brien
KELLER WILLIAMS CAPITAL DIST
Elizabeth Andrews
Heather Martin
CMN REAL ESTATE
Carl Cusano
MIRANDA REAL ESTATE
Anthony Guidarelli
COLDWELL BANKER ARLENE SITTERLY
C. E. Schumacher
PRO REALTY OF NEW YORK
Danielle Warrington
COLDWELL BANKER PRIME PROP
Carla Alvord
Richard Anguish
Jeanette Laszczynski
Ryan Watroba
Krista Wharton
PRUDENTIAL MANOR HOMES
Carly Carpenter
Regina Hamilton Palmer
Michael Hillier
Carolyn North
Matthew Reilly
Justin M Wilson
Homes & Away
Kathie Smith
880 Meadow Lane
Niskayuna, NY 12309
His Unlimited, Inc
Claudia Crawford
126 Market Street
Amsterdam, NY 12010
Karen Wojcik Hess Homes
Karen Wojcik Hess
35 Arrowwood Pl
Saratoga, NY 12020
Kearney Brown Realty
Michael Brown
215 Delaware Ave
Delmar, NY 12054
Yes Realty Group
Brian Michaud
338 New Scotland Rd
Slingerlands, NY 12159
Across the Association
COUNTRY VIEWS REALTY
Colby Boyea
EQUITAS
Andrew Lopez
Elizabeth B. Mausert
REALTY USA
Karen Blackstone
Erik David Grzybowski
Steven LaPratt
Joan Rubert
FIELD REALTY
Michael Murphy
SALISBURY REAL ESTATE
Jeff Siggia
YANKEE REALTY, INC
Kristi Carrara
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015 13
Thank You
to Our 2015
Committee
Volunteers
TECHNOLOGY:
Lisa Wloch, Chairwoman
Bob Eberle
Liz Schultheiss
Mark Bergman
Elise Van Allen
Chris Broughton
Michelle Poccia
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY GROUP:
Al Picchi, Chairman
Miguel Berger
Jim Long
Jay Christiana
Marie Bettini
Tom Roohan
Marc Weiss
Richard Sleasman
Laura Conrad
TRADE SHOW/REALTOR® DAY:
Joanie Kraft, Chairwoman
Ellen Picotte
Denise Arnold
Nancy Meunier
Jeff Decatur
Shana DiCocco
Kristin McClenaghan
Steven Monna
Pam Marinello
Stacey Crandall
Velvet Kopach
Diane Smith
Kathleen Sullivan
14 Across the Association
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:
Barbara Walton, Chairwoman
Michael Seabridge
Nina Amadon
Kendal Baker
Genie Bassett
Mark Bergman
Anne Carroll
Jon Civill
Tom Federlin
Frederick Field
Marilyn Gibbons
Pam Marinello
Meg Minehan
L.B. Morse
Sandy Nardoci
Rory O’Connor
Dede Olds
Ellen Picotte
BROKER-OWNER-MANAGER:
Carrie Weiss, Chairwoman
Joe Farry
Linda Yetto
Laurie Leckonby
Nina Amadon
GRIEVANCE:
Nelson Van Ullen, Chairman
Greg Gersch
Kevin Clancy
Garry DeGonza
Diana Farrell
Elizabeth Hanley
Curt Kolakowski
Barbara Lovell
Jean Maloney
Cindy McMahon
Greta McNamara
Brian Meurs
Troy Miller
Steve Sbardella
Mary Anne Schrank
Pat Sherman
COMMUNITY RELATIONS:
Paula Gaies, Chairwoman
Sue Thompson, Vice Chairwoman
Joanna Rockwood
Lisa Trefthan
Diana Farrell
Ed Brewer
Don Smith
Jon Civill
Dave LaVoie
Diana Sluus
Tara Kane
Jackie Witbeck
Pam Wilson
RPAC:
Felton McLaughlin Chairman
Tracey Slupski, Vice Chairwoman
Charlie Colehammer
Steve Staples
Pam Wakeley
Jeff Decatur
Richard Ferro
Jenn Berger
Kristin Blanchard
Sue McNeice
Nancy Klopfer
Susan Sommers
YPN:
Jenn Olmstead, Chairwoman
Jennifer Bettini-Bergeron
Chris Culihan
Katie Delf
Judi Gabler
Steve Sbardella
Kristin Smith
STRATEGIC PLANNING:
Sandy Nardoci, Chairwoman
Miguel Berger
Marie Bettini
Jay Christiana
Anne Daley
Sarah DeAngelis
Christian Klueg
Mark Phoenix
FINANCE:
Joel Koval, Chairman
Tony Garufi
Elise Van Allen
EDUCATION:
Jim Pugliese, Chairman
Michelle Poccia, Vice Chairwoman
Bill Alston
Joanie Kraft
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
GCAR Teams with Toys for
Tots to Brighten the Holidays
for Children in Need
On Friday, December 19, 2014 members from the
Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® helped make
sure that Toys for Tots kids had a merry Christmas. This
year, the Capital Region Toys For Tots program had the
greatest need for infant and toddler gifts. Members of
the Community Outreach Committee headed out to
Babies R Us in Latham for a $1,000 shopping excursion,
stuffing shopping carts full of toys and baby items.
Babies R Us opened their doors early for GCAR
Community Outreach Committee members to shop
before the store opened to the general public. Our
members were able to fill five carts and six large Toys For
Tots donation boxes.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit
organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the
Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other
necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve
Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 67th year, Toys for Tots
provides joy and a message of hope to economically
disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy
during the Christmas holiday season. Their gifts offer
these children recognition and a positive memory they
will cherish for a lifetime. In 2013, Marines distributed gifts
to 6.8 million children in 762 communities nationwide.
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual
donations from the American public as well as support
from corporate sponsors.
GREATER CAPITAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
451 NEW KARNER ROAD
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12205
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. #164
Albany, NY
DATED MATERIAL
28115 GCAR NYSAR-Legal 5x8 cmyk_Layout 1 11/15/13 11:32 AM Page 1
N E W Y O R K S TAT E A S S O C I AT I O N O F R E A LT O R S ®
“I don’t know what I’d do without
NYSAR’s Legal Hotline!
...it provides immediate and accurate
answers to many questions...”
Laurene Curtin, NYSAR member for 28 years
YOUR LEGAL
RESOURCE
Reduce your risk with authoritative legal information on a
wide variety of real estate law issues available through:
FREE LEGAL HOTLINE
518.436.9727
Available 30 hours
per week!
Monday-Friday
9 a.m.-3p.m.
NYSAR RADIO
2 Tuesdays per month
10 -11 a.m.
Listen live at NYSAR.com.
Call 518.436.9727
with your questions.
Note: NYSAR’s Legal Hotline and NYSAR Radio show do not provide a
client-lawyer relationship. For confidential legal advice, consult an attorney.
Education
Calendar
Education Courses Offered at GCAR
451 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205
GRI-3 AGENCY
Provide effective, legal and ethical client
representation.
Instructor: Jim Braman, Esq.
CE Credit: 7.5 hours
Cost: $125 members/$150 non-members
March 24, 2015 (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
GRI-4 LEGAL
Operate your business without the risk of
claims, fines and lawsuits.
Instructor: Jim Braman, Esq.
CE Credit: 7.5 hours
Cost: $125 members/$150 non-members
April 28, 2015 (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
GRI-5 BUYERS
Demonstrate your value to buyers from
listing to closing.
Instructor: Jim Pugliese, ABR, AHWD, CRB,
GRI, ITI, SFR, SRES
CE Credit: 7.5 hours
Cost: $125 members/$150 non-members
October 1, 2015 (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
GRI-2 BUSINESS
Take your business to the next level and
gain market share.
Instructor: Jim Pugliese, ABR, AHWD, CRB,
GRI, ITI, SFR, SRES
CE Credit: 7.5 hours
Cost: $125 members/$150 non-members
October 28, 2015 (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
To register, call: 800-239-4432 x219