Weekly Newsletter

Tuesday, March 11, 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: Oasis, A Haven For Women And Children

#WomensHistoryMonth #RCFCommunityCampaign

#GivingTuesday

Oasis is a nonprofit organization that supports women and children as they work towards a brighter future- providing hot meals, emergency food, clothing, and social support to families living in poverty. Oasis gives women and children access to educational programs so they can flourish in school and enter the workforce.

To learn more about the mission of Oasis, click HERE.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

REMINDER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET PAID THEIR 2025 DUES:

PLEASE NOTE:

Membership Fees Were Due On Friday, January 31, 2025.

A $100 Reinstatement Fee Was Applied on Monday,

February 3, 2025. In Addition, A $100 Late Fee Is Now Required For Reactivation.

GBR Members! Head to the

2025 Membership Dues Billing

tab on the GBR website homepage to find helpful information to all your billing questions and concerns.

PAY DUES HERE

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

NEW! 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

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

The Community Outreach Committee & Baby Bundle Inc. Team Up To Distribute Over $5,000 In Maternity Goods To Local New Mothers In Need!

Stork Mission 2025 is a combined initiative from GBR Community Outreach Committee members and founder of Baby Bundle Inc., Mia Forsberg-Villon, who created Baby Bundle Box after recognizing the pressing need for maternity support for mothers in New Jersey. Mia also sits as a member of the Board of Trustees for GBR’s charitable organization, the REALTORS® Care Foundation (RCF), which supports her organization among over eighty-five other non-profits throughout Northern New Jersey.

Each Baby Bundle Box, valued at $300.00-$350.00, contained essential newborn supplies, including two brand-new bassinets/playpens and a feeder chair to families who needed them most.

Thanks to the collective dedication of GBR members, participating brokerages, and local communities, thirty volunteers distributed eighteen Baby Bundle Boxes to new mothers throughout Northern New Jersey!

“None of this would have been possible without the collective effort of our incredible Community Outreach Committee volunteers assembling, organizing, and delivering with so much kindness and care. I deeply appreciate your effort and for giving your time and to be part of this mission. -Mia Forsberg-Villon

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 Educational Foundation Scholarship Applications Are Open Through March 13th! Apply Today!

New Jersey REALTORS® Educational Foundation offers annual scholarships to help students meet the costs of higher education. Criteria for selection include academic achievements, financial need, interest in real estate endeavors, and contributions to family, school and communities.

Students are eligible for a scholarship if they are a high school senior who will be attending an undergraduate program or are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program. Students enrolled at a NJ community college can also apply.

Applicants must be a member, or a relative of a member of New Jersey REALTORS® or a board/association staff member who resides in New Jersey.

Application Deadline: March 13, 2025

Please direct questions to: students@njrealtorsef.com

APPLY HERE

End of a Quarter Century: A Message From The CEO's Desk

How do you say goodbye to an organization that has been so good to you? The good news is that it’s not “goodbye” but “see you around.” If you haven’t heard it already, I have accepted a position with the National Association of REALTORS® as Senior Vice President of Industry Relations. I’m sad to leave the organization that helped shape me into who I am over my 25-plus-year career. However, I’m excited to take on the challenges ahead of me as I work with NAR’s CEO, Nykia Wright, as part of her team to rebuild NAR for the future.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many dedicated volunteers and leaders. I would love to list every REALTOR® who has impacted my career, but the 500 words they allotted me for this article just wouldn’t be long enough.

NATIONAL NEWS

NAR CEO Nykia Wright Meets With House Speaker

Mike Johnson, Congressional Leaders

NAR CEO Nykia Wright sat down with top congressional leaders Wednesday for a series of meet-and-greets on Capitol Hill, while members of the National Association of REALTORS®’ advocacy team hosted a reception marking the relaunch of the bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus in the House.

Wright and NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn met with Republican and Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). They discussed a range of issues from housing supply and affordability to taxes and government funding.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

New Tariffs On Canada, Mexico To Impact U.S. Homebuilder Input Costs

This week the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on its North American partners after a 30-day delay, citing insufficient action against drug cartels. Canada and Mexico immediately announced retaliatory tariffs. Additionally, a 10% tariff on Chinese goods doubled last month's rate, prompting China to expand its own countermeasures.

U.S. homebuilders fear rising costs, with CoreLogic projecting a 10% increase in building materials and up to 20% for household fixtures. The National Association of Home Builders warned the administration of severe industry impacts, as Canada and Mexico supply critical materials.

TIPS FOR CONSUMERS/REALTORS®

Right By You

NAR's Consumer Advertising Campaign Benefitting You,

And Your Business

'Right by you' is the National Association of REALTORS®’ national advertising campaign and a promise to consumers that clarifies the benefits and value of working with a REALTOR®, a member of NAR, on what may be the largest financial transaction they ever make. 'Right by you' is also a promise to every member — that NAR is here to support you, just as you support, guide and help protect your clients. This includes giving you, only NAR members and REALTOR® associations, exclusive access to an array of turnkey ad campaign materials and other consumer-facing assets for you to leverage.

AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT

Meet Affiliate Partner, Barry Simon!

Barry Simon is a Registered Representative with New York Life Insurance Company.

My approach:

Helping clients understand their options and achieve their goals are what make my job so rewarding. Every client is unique, so together we can develop a personalized approach that meets today's needs and tomorrow's as well.

Here to help you plan for today and tomorrow.

With so many options and complex information, making financial decisions isn’t easy. That’s why I’m here to help you understand what's right for you.

Together we can create a strategy that's customized to your needs and goals. I believe that we’re in this together for the longhaul, so you can count on me to help manage and update our approach as your life changes.

"Helping people be good at life."