Weekly Newsletter

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

April Is Fair Housing Month!

Step into Fairhaven 2.0—NAR’s dynamic online simulation where real estate professionals tackle fair housing challenges head-on. Through realistic scenarios, practical insights, and historical context, you’ll explore key topics like steering, bias, disability accommodations, and standing up for clients facing discrimination.

This course helps ensure that your business practices comply with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local law, as well as the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. It also meets the new NAR fair housing training requirement that took effect January 1, 2025.

Best of all, it’s FREE for NAR members.

Your fair housing skills start here!

ASSOCIATION NEWS

THIS WEEK! HURRY, THERE'S STILL TIME TO REGISTER!

FREE FOR MEMBERS!

"Let's Talk" Taking Control: Title Tips And Insights For Navigating Deals

Running into title issues? Want to learn tips and tricks for your real estate transactions? This presentation gives real estate agents key title insights to enhance their business, streamline transactions, and offer clients an elevated experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain Control of Your Transactions
• Know the Important Title Issues
• Boost Your Business
• Increase Client Satisfaction

April 10, 2025

11:30AM - 12:30PM

FREE For Members | $20 Non-members

Hybrid

EARLY BIRD GETS THE DESIGNATION DISCOUNT!

Save $50 When You Sign Up Before April 17th!

Earn The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) Designation In Just Two Days!

The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) Designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.

Two-Day Course:

April 24-25, 2025

9:00AM - 4:30PM

Hybrid: In-person at GBR Headquarters or Virtual

CE Credits: NJ 6 Ethics & 6 Elective/ NY 15 Hours

Instructors: Rhoda Moss-Latimer, Alireza Memar

SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICING

Members $185 | Non-members $235

Reminder To Complete Your Continuing Education Requirements By April 30, 2025!

GBR's 2025 Course Catalog Is Here!

View Upcoming CE Classes, Event Schedules, And More!

Complete Your Mandatory Continuing Education Credits, Including the NEW 1 Agency Credit Requirement By Wednesday, April 30, 2025!

For Your Convenience, NEW 1-Hour Agency Hybrid Classes Have Been Added!

DON'T MISS OUT!

Do You Know A Family With A Graduating Senior?

Forward This Scholarship Application Link!

You Could Make A Difference!

Apply Today!

The REALTORS® Care Foundation High School Scholarship Applications Are Open!

The Greater Bergen REALTORS® High School Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for high school seniors. GBR offers this scholarship to public high school districts within its jurisdiction.

Fill out the application and email all supporting documents to:

education@greaterbergenrealtors.com by the application deadline of April 21, 2025.

The Global Business Council Presents

Unlocking Mexico's Real Estate Potential: A REALTOR'S Guide To Success In Puerto Vallerta

Virtually Travel To Mexico This Cinco De Mayo!

Join us for an insightful and engaging event designed specifically for real estate professionals eager to expand their business into Mexico's vibrant market.

Rob Bailey, a seasoned expert in Puerto Vallarta real estate, will share his personal journey and the key insights you need to navigate the unique aspects of conducting business in this beautiful coastal paradise.

Whether you're considering investment opportunities or ready to work with clients seeking properties in Puerto Vallarta, this event will equip you with essential knowledge.

May 5, 2025

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Hybrid: In-Person at GBR Headquarters or Virtual

FREE For Members!

It's Back, Jack!

Join RPAC & YPN For Casino Night! May 8, 2025!

A Fun-Filled Night Of Premiere Game Tables, Cocktails, & More!

Blackjack * Craps * Roulette * Money Wheel * Texas Hold ‘Em * And More!

Try Your Luck At Casino Night! Your RPAC Investment Gets You In The Games!

Investment Levels:

The Gambler: $50 Investment/$200 Funny Money

Player’s Club: $100 Investment/$400 Funny Money

Capitol Circle: $250 Investment/$1000 Funny Money

High Rollers Golden Ring: $500 Investment/$2000 Funny Money &

Exclusive Admittance To VIP Section

EXCLUSIVE GBR Member Benefit!

Sign Up For A FREE HousingWire Subscription For A Full View Of The Housing Market And Learn About Options Plus!

In a housing industry that is increasingly complex and interconnected, real estate leaders rely on HousingWire for the full picture. 

HousingWire provides housing leaders with a complete view of the housing market – including news, market data, housing research and more!

Visit the Greater Bergen REALTORS® HousingWire page and click "Get Access" to enter your information and sign up today!

REALTORS® CARE FOUNDATION

Greater Bergen REALTORS® And Our Charitable REALTORS® Care Foundation Are Honoring #FairHousingMonth with our #RCFCommunityCampaign!

Join us in uplifting our communities by supporting non-profit organizations helping those in need and making meaningful connections.

Introducing Northern New Jersey Non-profit Organization:

Habitat For Humanity® Of Bergen County

#FairHousingMonth #RCFCommunityCampaign

#GivingTuesday #RCFDonateToday

Habitat For Humanity® of Bergen County's mission is to provide decent, affordable homes for hardworking Bergen County families. Using volunteer labor and donated funds and materials, Habitat builds or rehabilitates simple, decent, homes and sells them to

low-income families at cost but with no interest charged.

To learn more about Habitat For Humanity® of Bergen County, click HERE.

COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT

GBR's Professional Development Committee Recently Hosted Agency - Who Do You Work For At GBR Headquarters

Recent significant updates in real estate regulations have enhanced transparency and protected clients. The Professional Development Committee, led by Chair, Mike Thorry and Vice Chair, Jordan McGovern created Agency - Who Do you Work For to provide insight into understanding and adhering to these new rules. Attendees learned from instructor, Rhoda Moss-Latimer ways to maintain trust and professionalism in their agent-client relationships, and how to protect the client's rights, ultimately promoting ethical practices in the industry.

A special thank you to event sponsors and industry professionals, Campanella Law Office LLC., Rate, Inc., and Everett Title Agency.



The Professional Development Committee develops and recommends educational programming, speakers, and events to enhance the professional development of our members. To learn more and get involved, click HERE.

GBR's Community Outreach Community Volunteered At The Center For Food Action In Saddle Brook For A Two-Day Food Packaging Event!

Recently, The Community Outreach Committee joined The center For Food Action at their Saddle Brook, NJ warehouse for their two-day food packaging series, where volunteer members organized and packed a variety of food items into boxes for local families. Terri Seeney-Majette, Volunteer & Program Sr. Manager, CFA reported over 100 food boxes assembled, just on day one!

The Community Outreach Committee, spearheaded by 2025 Chair, Hilda Williams and Vice Chair, Bonnie Borghi, identifies and coordinates initiatives and projects that work towards the betterment of our communities. Their events include a range of charitable and goodwill causes throughout the year. 

For more information about the Community Outreach Committee and to participate,

click HERE.

STATE NEWS

New Jersey REALTORS® Proper Drone Usage Webinar Scheduled For Tomorrow, April 9th

Join New Jersey REALTORS® on April 9 from 10-11 a.m. to learn about the best drone practices in real estate with Senior Federal Air Marshal Jason Osborne.

Drone photography and videography usage in real estate has gained enormous popularity recently, but are you following all the rules? Learn about best practices for drone usage—including what you cannot do and where you cannot operate—in this webinar.

NATIONAL NEWS

NAR Renews Call For Access To Association Health Plans

Last week, the National Association of REALTORS® urged Congress to pass legislation restoring Americans’ access to association health plans, a critical means of healthcare coverage for self-employed individuals like real estate professionals.

Angela Shields, CEO of Tennessee REALTORS®, highlighted the struggles independent contractors—comprising most NAR members—face in obtaining comprehensive, affordable health coverage at a hearing in front of the House Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. She underscored that 15% of the nation’s more than a million REALTORS® remain uninsured due to high premiums and deductibles. Many others rely on expensive plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace with narrow provider networks.

NAR’s priority is to ensure that members have the freedom to choose the best health insurance options that offer the highest quality care at the most affordable cost—whether through the ACA, AHPs or other available plans.

Read More

Earn The Certified International Property Specialist

(CIPS) Designation!

Take Each Class Separately Or Bundle For The 2-Day CIPS Designation & $ave!

The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation is for REALTORS® from the United States and abroad, as well as association staff and volunteer leaders who wish to develop or grow their international real estate business. It will provide you with the knowledge, research, network, and tools to globalize your business.

Two-Day Course:

May 28-29, 2025

9:00AM - 5:00PM

Hybrid: In-person at GBR Headquarters or Virtual

CE Credits: NJ 7Elective/ NY 7 Hours

Instructor: Alireza Memar

SPECIAL 2-DAY BUNDLE PRICING

Members $185 | Non-members $235

Single Course Pricing (May 28th or May 29th):

Members $100 | Non-members $135

Optimism, Dedication and Superior Customer Service are the three valuable assets that perfectly describe Sheetal. She has successfully expanded her mortgage business through alliance with Realtors, Attorneys, Networks and CPAs. Notably much of her business is built on referrals from past clients and real estate community. Sheetal attributes her success to hard work and a tremendous support from her family & team.

Sheetal has been in the mortgage industry for over 28 years. She is passionate about helping families and individuals achieve the American dream of Homeownership.

As a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists (CMPS), Sheetal possess the financial knowledge and finesses needed in the tax and financial planning implications of various mortgage and real estate investment strategies. This elite designation is held by less than 2,000 Mortgage Advisors nationally. Sheetal has received many Sales Awards throughout her successful career and is recognized as the company's top producing loan officers.

Sheetal specializes in the Mortgage Banking, Conventional, FHA, Government Mortgages, VA, 203 K Rehab loans, and Portfolio Loans for non-traditional income.

"You are not alone when you need a loan!"

Connect with Sheetal!

Baby Boomers Regain Top Spot As Largest Share Of

Home Buyers

In a shift that underscores changing dynamics in the housing market, baby boomers now make up the largest generational group of home buyers, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). 

"In a plot twist, baby boomers have overtaken millennials – the largest U.S. population – to become the top generation of home buyers. What's striking is that half of older boomers and two out of five younger boomers are purchasing homes entirely with cash, bypassing financing altogether." -Jessica Lautz, NAR Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research

Read More

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