Weekly Newsletter

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

March Is Women's History Month!

Greater Bergen REALTORS® and our charitable REALTORS® Care Foundation (RCF) are celebrating #WomensHistoryMonth with our #RCFCommunityCampaign!

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

VISIT THE RCF!

Introducing Northern New Jersey Non-profit Organization: Several Sources

#WomensHistoryMonth #RCFCommunityCampaign

#GivingTuesday #SeveralSources #RCFDonateToday

Several Sources Shelter is a nonprofit organization helping women and families choose life and provide services and resources to continue their journey. Several Sources supports women, children, families, teens at risk, women in crisis as they work towards a positive future. Several Sources provides shelter, education, and programs to women seeking safety, understanding, and compassion.

To learn more about the mission of Several Sources, click HERE.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Early Bird Gets The Discount!

$ign Up Today & $ave!

Earn The Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR®) Designation In Two Days!

The Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR®) designation is for real estate buyer's agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the

home-buying process.

What you gain:

Valuable real estate education that elevates your skills and knowledge in the eyes of home buyers.
Ongoing specialized information, programs, and updates that keep you knowledgeable on the issues and trends facing home buyers.

Thursday, March 27 & Friday, March 28, 2025

9:00AM - 4:30PM

SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICING

$185 For Members | $235 Non-members

Credits: NJ 12 Ethics (2 Ethics & 10 Core) / NY 15 Hours

Instructor: Rhoda Moss-Latimer

TOMORROW! DON'T MISS OUT! FREE For Members!

"Let's Talk" Achieving Peak Performance:

Energy Management & Self-Care Strategies for High-Performing REALTORS®

Long-term growth in real estate requires more than endless hustle; it requires mastering your energy, focus, and resilience. Join us for this transformative workshop, where you’ll discover science-backed strategies to sustain peak performance, boost productivity, and avoid burnout. Whether you’re already thriving or aiming to reach new heights, this session will equip you with the strategies to achieve peak performance, sustain momentum, and build a successful, long-lasting real estate business.

March 19, 2025

11:30AM - 12:30PM

FREE For Members | $20 Non-members

Hybrid

The Professional Development Committee Presents

Agency - Who Do You Work For?

An In-Person Only Event At GBR! Tickets Include Lunch!

PLUS! Earn 1 Agency Credit!

Whether acting as a buyer's / tenant agent or a seller's / landlord agent, the focus should always be on the client's best interests. Educating clients about their options, being transparent about representation, and adhering to local regulations are essential to a successful real estate agency practice. Significant updates in real estate regulations have enhanced transparency and protected clients.

Event includes lunch and 1 Agency CE Credit, IN-PERSON ONLY!

April 4, 2025

10:00AM - 12:30PM

IN-PERSON ONLY | GBR Headquarters

FREE For Members | $20 Non-members

Instructor: Rhoda Moss-Latimer

NEW! 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

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!

VIEW COURSE CATALOG

It's Your Lucky Month!

A New Career In Real Estate Is Waiting For You!

Know Someone Interested In Making The Change?

$ave $150 When You Sign Up With Promo Code: LUCKY150

PLUS A FREE Course Book - A $70 Value!

Do You Know A Graduating Senior Who Could Use A Helping Hand? Apply Today!

The REALTORS® Care Foundation High School Scholarship Applications Are Now 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.

APPLY HERE

EXCLUSIVE GBR Member Benefit!

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!

COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT

GBR's Broker Council Hosts An Exclusive Broker-Only Event On Real Estate Fraud With Keynote Speakers, Special Agents From The FBI!

GBR's Broker Council 2025 leadership, Chair, Mary Jane Tarabocchi, Vice Chair, Mary Davis, and Immediate Past Chair, Denise Belcher, hosted an exclusive broker event, "Tackling Fraud And Scams In Real Estate" for members last week at GBR headquarters, inviting keynote speakers, special agents from The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

FBI agent, Joseph Cardosi. provided broker owners and Designated REALTORS® with the knowledge and tools to protect clients, their agents, and their business from prevalent real estate fraud and scams in the industry. Members were able to ask questions, share experiences, and learn important tips, prevention tactics, and takeaways for their business.

Affiliate sponsors and speakers, Monica Reyes, Emerald Title Group and Gina Campanella, Campenella Law Office LLC. spoke on fraud and scams in title and real estate transactions respectively.

For more information and resources, visit GBR's Broker Hub, HERE!

Looking To Expand Your Network & Build Business Connections?

Do You Want To Be More Involved In Your Community In 2025? Committee Sign-Ups Are Live!

Greater Bergen REALTORS® relies on the expertise and participation of our members. Our committees ensure that association programs and services meet the needs of the membership. Please lend your skill and experience for the betterment of our association and industry.

*Please note, all current committee members must re-apply for 2025 committees.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

GBR's Health & Wellness Council Book Club Is Back In 2025!

Join Us For Our First Reading: The Sleep Revolution

Transforming Your Life, One Night At A Time

Our Next Read: The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night At A Time

Date: March 31, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Hybrid Event: Virtual on Zoom or In-Person at the GBR Headquarters

Moderator: Kathleen Houston (bergenhomes@gmail.com)

Feel free to sign up, even if you haven't finished reading!

Spring Into Healthy Habits!

The Health, Wellness & Safety Council Presents A Virtual Nutrition Session! Register Today!

The Health, Wellness & Safety Council Presents A Virtual Nutrition Session with Lynette Hem-Lee, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Inserra Supermarket, Inc, Shoprite of New Milford, 250 River Road, New Milford NJ 07646.

Please join us for this FREE Virtual Event!

March 31, 2025

11:00AM - 12:00PM

Virtual

FREE!

Take A Step In The Right Direction! Sign Up Today For A Fun Way To Prioritize Your Health And Wellness!

Join The Health, Wellness & Safety Council Run/Walk Club!

Dear GBR Members,

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer. Together, we're not just running or walking; we're racing towards a world where cancer is no longer a threat.

Your participation and support are invaluable as we join forces with ACS to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.

Let's lace up our shoes, rally together, and show the world the power of unity and determination in the face of adversity.

With gratitude,

GBR Health, Wellness, & Safety Council

STATE NEWS

New Jersey REALTORS® 2025 Webinar Alert! NEXUS Morning Connect - The Yellow Brick Road To Closing - Preapprovals, Appraisals, Commitments OH MY!

A QUICK JOLT OF INDUSTRY TIPS AND INSIGHTS

NEXUS' "Morning Connect" series is an impactful way to expand your knowledge in topics related to your industry, instructed by the professionals who know them best. Free for all NEXUS members.

In this session you will learn:

The Roadmap to Mortgage Approvals
Down Payment Assistance
NJHMFA
Self-Employed Borrowers
FHA & VA

Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Time: 10:00AM - 11:00AM

Presented By: NEXUS Association of REALTORS®

NATIONAL NEWS

NAR Releases 2025 Snapshot Of Race And Home Buying In America With Black Homeownership On The Rise

Black Homeownership Rate Sees Largest Annual Increase Among Racial Groups But Still Trails White Homeownership Rate by Almost 30 Percentage Points

The U.S. Black homeownership rate experienced the greatest year-over-year increase in 2023 among racial groups, yet it still falls significantly behind the White homeownership rate, according to the National Association of Realtors® 2025 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Challenging Real Estate Market? The United States Is Not Alone, Ireland Faces Supply And Demand Issues. Ireland's Residential Property Market Analysis 2025.

The persistent shortage of new inventory and second-hand properties available for purchase remains the key constraint to a balanced expansion of the Irish housing market, putting increased pressure on sales prices and rents.

This extended overview from the Global Property Guide covers key aspects of Ireland’s housing market and takes a closer look at its most recent developments and long-term trends.

TIPS FOR CONSUMERS/REALTORS®

11 Affordable Countries Where Americans Can Easily Buy Real Estate

Political tensions are prompting many Americans to consider a move overseas.

"People say they want a Plan B. They are worried about political instability," says immigration attorney Jean-Francois Harvey, of Harvey Law Group.

Celebrities such as Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres have already relocated, but is this an option just for the rich and famous?

In some places, perhaps. But in these 11 countries, everyday Americans can easily buy real estate to start their dreams abroad.

AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT

Meet Affiliate Partner, Dana Forsyth!

Dana Forsyth is wine representative a with ONEHOPE Wine.

The ONEHOPE Foundation gives to organizations that provide greater access to water, hunger relief, health, and education – while also supporting local non-profits across the country.

As a high school educator, I earned degrees in Exercise Science and Educational Leadership. A special part of every school day is Teen PEP; a class where my students freely communicate about positive and responsible behavior, leadership and sexuality.

In addition, I’m a wine enthusiast with an amazing husband and two fur children (Eleanor, a Juliana Pig and Hank, an Old English Bulldog)! I love our yearly visits to Napa and of course drop by ONEHOPE! My friends and family refer to the statement “6 degrees of Dana” because I have an enthusiasm for bringing people together, sharing great times, and making connections through wine.

I continue to have fun, pour with passion and change the world one glass of wine at a time. And you can too!