ALL Agents/Participants/Owners/Managers:
LAST CHANCE COMING UP FAST FOR A FREE SWAP OF YOUR OLD LOCKBOXES FOR NEW IMPROVED BOXES BY SENTRILOCK. LOCKBOX SWAP PROGRAM MOVES TO BREWSTER STARTING TUESDAY, AUGUST 18TH, AND THE TRADE-IN PERIOD ENDS AUG. 20 AT 1PM. AFTER THAT, NEW BOXES WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE AT RETAIL RATES. NO EXCEPTIONS, NO POSTPONEMENTS, NO EXCUSES – THERE’S BEEN PLENTY OF ADVANCE NOTICE. YOU CAN HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DO THE SWAP FOR YOU, SO YOUR VACATION OR OTHER UNAVAILABILITY SHOULDN’T BE AN ISSUE. ACT NOW! *REMINDER - YOUR SentriLock ID is MLS ID-wpmls (there is a hyphen between your MLS ID and wpmls) EXAMPLE: 12345-wpmls and use the same password as MLS. CLICK HERE to REGISTER Here are the PROCEDURES PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Click here for directions to The lockbox swap location
ALL Agents/Participants/Owners/Managers:
Own a Sentrilock lockbox? Maintain a Sentricard? Thinking of joining the system? Want to learn some handy NEW tricks? A Major box-swap and upgrade is in the works, and August 11-20 is the big event! Plan ahead, act now! REGISTER TODAY: CLICK HERE*REMINDER - YOUR SentriLock ID is MLS ID-wpmls (there is a hyphen between your MLS ID and wpmls) EXAMPLE: 12345-wpmls and use the same password as MLS. Here are the PROCEDURESPLEASE READ CAREFULLY
To All Participants:
We would like you to be aware that elections for Zone Directors (for 2010) are taking place in the upcoming several weeks. The WPMLS governing document require that at least one Director (Chair, Vice Chair, or additional Director, if any) from each Zone be a Participant or a company officer, office manager, or partner affiliated with the Participant.
WPMLS encourages you to take an interest in these elections, including running for office yourself. The Board of Directors makes all the MLS policies, decides the budget, considers new products and services, and generally watches out for the interests of our MLS organization.
In order to be considered as a Director, act quickly, because some of the Zones are scheduling elections already! At a minimum, report your interest in serving to one of the nominating committee members for your Zone. It would also help, though it is not strictly necessary, to send the brief application form to your nominating committee. Last, in the event that your Zone Nominating Committee nominates other candidates but you still want to be considered, there is a procedure for getting on the election day ballot: you need a petition signed by three or more Participants (broker owners or managers) placing your name in nomination, addressed to the Zone Chair c/o WPMLS offices, and filed to WPMLS’s possession no later than five days prior to the Zone election day.
These same qualifications and procedures apply to non-Participant candidates as well.
WPMLS, Inc.
Membership Terminations are in Process Access to WPMLS may be terminated at any point without further notice.
Posted March 3, 2009
We regret to inform you that firms/offices where the Designated Realtor has not taken care of unpaid membership accounts are now in the process of having services turned off, including MLS access. Formal notices have been sent to the brokers in charge. However, we do not have the means to contact agents affiliated with those brokers in advance of shutting off access. You may lose service suddenly if you are in an affected firm. We are sorry for that, but membership renewals are very long overdue. Please contact your principal broker if your access is terminated.
Attention Realtors working in Yonkers:
The Yonkers public records are on-line says City Assessor Mark Russell. No need to go to City Hall for property record cards, tax maps, zoning boundaries and the like. Go to www.yonkersny.gov and click on the following sequence as they come up: Government / Department A-F / Finance / Assessment Department / Property Information Viewer / Go to External URL …. And you're there for searches by section-block-lot, owner's name, or address.
Attention REALTORS® doing business in the Bronx. Please be aware that on June 9th, DOS Secretary of State Cortes-Vazquz designated a large area of northeast Bronx as a "cease-and-desist" zone, meaning that real estate licensees may not "solicit" consumers who have entered their names onto a cease and desist list. However, as the previous "cease-and-desist" order had expired, there currently are no lists posted by DOS that you need to be concerned with. Once the lists are posted, we will notify all Participants.
Free YPN Event, at Kelly's Irish Pub in White Plains
Celebrate Summer with your local Young Professionals Network (YPN) group on Wednesday, August 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kelly's Irish Pub 201 East Post Road, White Plains.
You'll enjoy FREE appetizers and a cash bar, while meeting and mingling with other professional Realtors. Remember, there are NO age restrictions! See you there! Click here to Register.
Want to be a WPAR Director?
This is to remind you that if you are interested in being considered for a term (2011) on the Board of Directors, please do send the application form to arrive here no later than Monday, July 19th. Check the Job Descriptions for a general description of the composition and activities of the Board of Directors.
Attention All Sentrilock Card Users! If you have not yet renewed your Sentrilock card, time is quickly running out! The amount due is $110 for the period July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011. It must be paid no later than 5PM on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. After that juncture, any unpaid accounts will be disabled without further notice, and you will not be able to use your cards. You can pay your invoice online at ims.wpar.com, or by fax to 914-681-6044. We cannot take payments over the phone. Don't wait to the last minute, renew your Sentrilock cards now.
In Memoriam
Posted August 10, 2010
We regret to report that Teri Vtialiani, former executive secretary to Gil Mercurio, Rich Haggerty, and Joanne Roberts for nearly 27 years, passed away this morning of August 6th after a long struggle with cancer. Having left WCBR/WPAR's employment at the end of 2009, she relocated to southern California to be near her daughter Raquel ("Rocky") and son-in-law and grandson. Teri will be buried here in Westchester near other family members; we will announce the arrangements when known. Condolences may be sent to Raquel Norton, 4415 Allen School Lane, Bonita California 91902.
Congrats to our real estate industry!
Congress has passed an extension of the closing date on the tax credit program, to September 30, 2010. The flood insurance program has also been extended. Details to be posted as we receive them.
While you are recovering from the June 30th closing rush, please remember to report all sales for the second quarter (April 1 – June 30). They are needed for statistics, comps, and compliance with Rules. We will waive any late reporting fines on sales until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6th; the fines are automatically computer generated – but tell your office manager just to strike those particular charges, if any, from the next WPMLS invoice. Take advantage of the amnesty to clean the records. Thank you.
Call for talent! Back by popular demand, RPAC will be hosting our third annual “REALTORS Got Talent” fundraising event during the Fall Business Meetings in Rye, NY on Monday evening, September 13. In addition to the talent show, there will be live and silent auctions as well as refreshments. Once again, REALTORS from across the state will have the opportunity to showcase their talents while raising money for RPAC. REALTORS interested in performing should contact Blaise DiBernardo in the NYSAR Government Affairs Department at bdibernardo@nysar.com or 518-463-0300 x216. Last year’s sold-out show raised more than $12,000 for RPAC. We intend to raise the bar even higher during the 2010 event but we need you to make that possible! Click here for more information.
WCR Join the Women’s Council of Realtors for a Summer Cocktail Networking Event!
Tuesday, June 22, at 5:30 p.m. at Hudson Grille Bistro, 165 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains.
Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. We’ll see you there!
Cick Here to Register
Don't Miss the Last RPAC Party of the Season! Our last RPAC networking event of the season will be Monday, June 21 at 6 pm at the Sprain Grill in Yonkers. For just $25, enjoy some delicious food, take in the view of Sprain Lake, and make connections while supporting RPAC. click here to register
Please join us for our next RPAC Networking Party on Wednesday, May 19, from 6pm to 8pm at Frattelli’s Restaurant on Route 6 in Mahopac. For just $25, can enjoy delicious food and make connections while supporting RPAC. Pick up a new WPAR golden apple pin for just $10!
Click here to register
In Memoriam:
Our condolences to the family of REALTOR Gene Heubel of ERA Double C Realty, who recently passed away. There will be a Wake on Monday May 10, 6-9pm at Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Home, 824 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale, NY 10583 and Funeral Service on Tuesday May 11, 10:30AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 8 Carman Rd Scarsdale, NY. In lieu of flowers a donation be made to:
All Participants are encouraged to confirm the licensing status of any agent or office, who are not Participants of the MLS, who attempt to show listed properties, especially if you are not familiar with the firm or the agent. You can check the licensing status through the DOS e-access program, or by requesting a copy of the license or pocket card in advance of the showing. WPMLS has been made aware of instances where un-licensed individuals and entities are calling a listing offices to schedule showing appointments. This creates a significant liability for listing offices who allow such showings without confirming licensure.
The IMS Address Has Changed https://ims.WCBR.net is now https://ims.WPAR.com
Broker/Owner/Manager Meeting!
Posted April 26, 2010
Don't miss "Industry Changes that Make or Break Your Business," our first Broker/Owner/Manager meeting THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 30 at 9:00 AM at the Crown Plaza in White Plains! It's a must-see for the latest on short sales, mortgage guidelines and appraisals. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
Attention All REALTORS®
Posted April 1, 2010
Brokers in the Dutchess County area have reported recent instances of theft. The pattern of the theft is for a couple to visit real estate offices and distract the agent with whom they are working, while one of the parties removes items from the agent’s purse. Numerous instances have been reported. The names the couple have provided to agents are Matt and Vanessa, and they have advised agents they are from Tarrytown, though obviously they could provide different information as they visit other offices. Agents are advised to be vigilant, protect your valuables, and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Realist data will now auto-populate tax data for Bronx listings
Posted March 30, 2010
When entering listings located in the Bronx, Participants will now use Realist to auto-populate tax data. When entering a new listing, first enter the property type, then the County, and then click on "select County records." Enter the street number and name for the property, and click on "search" in the upper left hand corner. The system will display the tax ID number and owner's name that match the address you entered. If it is the correct data, click on "select" next to the property record. The system will then display the property type, county and tax id for the property in question. Click on "next" in the upper left and corner and complete the data input fields as usual. If the property does not exist within Realist – choose "Tax ID Not Found" in the upper left hand corner.
Report 1st Quarter Sold Listings Posted March 30, 2010
The first quarter 2010 ends tomorrow, March 31. Please be sure to report all your title passed listings – for accurate statistics, for good comps, for credit to you, and for compliance with WPMLS rules. Thank you!
Amanda's Law on New Carbon Monoxide Detectors, to Take Effect on February 22
Posted February 16, 2010
Amanda’s Law, named for 16-year-old Amanda Hansen, who died last year from carbon monoxide poisoning , is set to take effect on Monday, February 22, 2010. This law requires carbon monoxide detectors in every one and two family property, apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartments. Questions concerning the new law may be directed to the NYSAR Legal Hotline. The hotline is available Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 518-436-9727.
Click here for more information.
NAR Launches New Consumer Website
Posted February 18, 2010
The National Association of REALTORS® has just launched HouseLogic, a new, comprehensive consumer website about all aspects of homeownership at www.houselogic.com. The free site helps homeowners make smart decisions and take responsible actions to maintain, protect and increase the value of their homes. It also helps them to plan and organize their home projects and provides news about home improvements, taxes, finances and insurance.
In Memoriam
Posted March 2, 2010
We regret to announce the passing of Eileen Shaw on February 27th. She was a sales associate of
Prudential Holmes and Kennedy in the Katonah office.
The family will receive friends, family and
colleagues on Thursday, March 4th between 4 -7 PM at the Pinnacle Club
1000 West Hill Drive, Heritage Hills Country Club Somers, 276-3300.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to melanoma research.
Development Services, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
PO Box 27106
NY,NY 10087
Please include with your donation " In Memory of Eileen Shaw, c/o Dr. Gary
Schwartz and the Melanoma Services Research Department"
Attention All WPAR Members:
Posted February 23, 2010
Do you want to help WPAR weigh in pro and con on legislation that affects your real estate business? If the answer is yes, please attend our Legislation Council meeting on March 3rd at 10 a.m., where we’ll be reviewing critical federal, state and local bills, and selecting those where we want to put in extra effort to support or defeat. Click here for a sampler of what's on the menu for 2010! All we ask is that you give advance notice of your intent to attend: email Roseanne.Lionetti@wpar.com to let us know you're attending.
Thank you.
John Kope, Chairman
P. Gilbert Mercurio, CEO.
Attention All WPMLS Users On Wednesday morning, February 17, 6:00 a.m., a new MLS security system will be in place. Called “Rapattoni Secure Logon with Adaptive Authentication”, this new system will take five, maybe ten minutes at most, for you to set up before you will be able to continue on with your Rapattoni work. We strongly recommend that you take this into account in your schedule. You don’t want a customer waiting for you while you’re dealing with a new security installation. Get this done as soon as possible – it’s a one-shot deal – and then you can go about your Rapattoni business without further interruption. Click here for an explanation and video of what this is about.
2010 Affordable Housing Expo
Posted February 4, 2010
The Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors, Inc. is joining with housing services providers, the County government, and area banks and lending institutions to co-sponsor a program of seminars and exhibits to help moderate-income and entry-level homebuyers find a home in the Westchester-Putnam region Saturday, March 6, 2010
10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM.Click here for more information.
Rapattoni has two problems they know about and are working on the fix.
Posted February 12, 2010
1) On listing entry, “autofill tax data” is not functioning. Use “tax id not found” instead, until we give further notice that the problem is fixed.
2) When you report a sold listing, the system is displaying the selling office as “non-member”. The system is recording the right name, it’s just the display that is broken.
We’re sorry for the inconvenience, and we will be staying in touch with Rapattoni to make sure things get fixed – hopefully by Tuesday.
Four Seasons Real Estate Center, 557 Gramatan Avenue, Mt. Vernon 10552, tel: 914-667-6767, is collecting clothing to be picked up by the American Red Cross and sent to Haiti for the earthquake survivors. All clothing that is CLEAN and in GOOD CONDITION will be accepted. Particularly needed is children's clothing. The clothing can be dropped off at the Four Seasons office no later than this Thursday, Jan. 21st.
ALL MEMBERS:
Posted January 25, 2010
Agents who have prospective purchasers who are interested in attached housing should always remember to search Single Family, property subtype “attached,” in addition to Condominium. There are numerous developments throughout the Lower Hudson Valley that consist of attached single family homes. Failing to search that property category for purchasers interested in attached townhouse style properties deprives those purchasers access to a significant inventory of properties. For information about the differences between condos and single family, click here. For information on attached single family developments, click here.
In Memoriam
Posted February 3, 2010
We regret to announce the passing of Elsie Peragine. A good friend and loyal member of the Scout Realty staff for over 30 yrs. Elsie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Services will be held at Beecher's Funeral Home in Brewster, Thursday, February 4th from 4 to 8pm. Funeral mass held at The United Methodist Church Friday, 10am.
IMPORTANT NOTICE RE: RAPATTONI RANKING REPORT
Posted January 5, 2009
If you have used the "Ranking Report" for Offices and Agents in Rapattoni MLS before January 5th, please be advised that it had computational errors and you should not rely on the reports it generated for advertising or other important purposes. Rapattoni has diagnosed and fixed the problem as of 5pm January 5th. We apologize for the inconvenience.
WPMLS Member Billing Query
Posted January 5, 2009
If you have an issue concerning a fine on your invoice, please notify WPMLS staff immediately (but not later than three months after the invoice Statement Date) by completing the WPMLS member billing query form and faxing it to the WPMLS offices at 914-681-6044, attention Gary Connolly, or email it to support@wpar.com.
A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION FOR ALL LICENSEES: I will update my email address for DOS and WPAR"
Posted January 5, 2009
Did you know that DOS recently emailed every New York licensee about important new procedures for license renewal? If you never open your email or you have a wrong address filed with DOS, you are missing vital information that could cause your license to lapse and your CE credits to evaporate. Click here to see what you’ve missed and to link to where you can create and update your required personal account with DOS. When you’re done with DOS, how about checking your email address with WPAR as well? It’s easy to do. Otherwise you are wasting your annual dues if you are not receiving the useful and important messages that we send to all members from time to time. Nowadays your email address is every bit as key as your street address or phone number, so get it right to make sure DOS and WPAR can reach you. Thank You.
Attention All WPMLS Subscribers:
Posted December 22, 2009
Please be sure to report all of your Sold listings for 2009. They are needed for good comps, for the upcoming quarterly and annual sales reports, for your individual sales awards credit, and, if for no other reason, for compliance with WPMLS Rules. Thank You!
All Members:
Posted December 15, 2009
The US Census Bureau is recruiting NOW for part-time work in Westchester County. Bilingual skills are a plus! These are temporary government jobs with flexible hours. Most jobs pay between $18 and $20. To qualify, applicants must pass a multiple choice test and complete up to four days of paid training. As a service to the membership, the Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors will offer the test at its White Plains offices at 10 am Monday Dec. 21 and Monday Dec. 28. Please complete the attached form to register.
Attention all WPMLS Users:
Posted October 15, 2009
There are two modifications of the Rapattoni MLS system that will go into effect on October 19, 2009.
First, on the property record, we are changing the name of the “Total Square Field” to become “Estimated Square Feet”, and we are adding a “Source” field, mandatory on new listings, for you to report where the square feet number comes from. Click here for a memo that explains the options. The memo is also available when you log into the MLS under “Links => Links & Documents”.
All Members:
Posted December 15, 2009
The US Census Bureau is recruiting NOW for part-time work in Westchester County. Bilingual skills are a plus! These are temporary government jobs with flexible hours. Most jobs pay between $18 and $20. To qualify, applicants must pass a multiple choice test and complete up to four days of paid training. As a service to the membership, the Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors will offer the test at its White Plains offices at 10 am Monday Dec. 21 and Monday Dec. 28. Please complete the attached form to register.
To All Members of WPAR
Posted December 4, 2009
The 2010 membership renewal invoices are being mailed starting December 4th. However, you don't need an invoice if you pay online by clicking here to go to IMS. We encourage online payment because the savings on personnel and paper can be passed through to you. REALTORS® who pay online on or before January 15, 2010 will be able to take $30 right off the bottom line on their invoice. It's safe, it's easy, everyone benefits. Give it a shot this year if you haven’t done so before.
Short Sale Guidelines
Posted December 1, 2009
Long-awaited guidelines for short sales have been issued by the Treasury Department. See www.realtor.org/shortsales for details.
WCR December Meeting The Women's Council of REALTORS® meeting is December 7th. Click here for details
Homebuyers Tax Credit Expanded!
Posted November 6, 2009
Young REALTOR® Bowling Night
Posted September 28, 2009
The next Young Realtor Group meeting will be October 21st, 6:30pm at Lucky Strike in the Palisades Center Mall. In this social event we are going to team up with the Rockland’s Boards YRG. So bring plenty of cards and join us for networking and fun. If you have any questions please contact me anytime. Please RSVP. Email me jwnyrealtor@aol.com. All Realtor members under the age of 40 are invited to attend!
ALL MEMBERS: Posted September 30, 2009
Please report your July 1 – September 30 third quarter sold listings right away. WPMLS needs the info for statistics, and YOU need it for useful comps. Thank you.
Broker/Owner/Manager Class Spend $10 to retain your best agents!
In this challenging market one of the most vital skills every broker-owner/manager must have is motivating your best agents, and making sure they don’t think the grass is greener somewhere else. Roger Turcotte, a nationally acclaimed speaker, will give you specific tools you can use to cultivate your agents to make them as productive as possible. Don’t miss this opportunity! Roger will be conducting this session on Friday, September 25, 9am to 12 noon at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains. Time is running out to register. Don’t wait any longer! Click here to register.
Westchester Women's Council of REALTORS® Luncheon
Where: Mt. Kisco Holiday Inn
When: September 21, 2009 Click here for more information
Don't Miss Tonight's Mets Game!
(and your chance to support RPAC)
RPAC of New York will be hosting an RPAC fundraiser at the brand new Citi Field ballpark in Queens. The event will occur on Thursday, September 10 for the NY Mets vs. Florida Marlins game at 7:10 PM. Tickets cost $150 which includes admission to the game, buffet dinner and an open bar in the private Modell’s clubhouse section of the ballpark. If you are interested in attending the event and supporting RPAC, please complete the registration form and return it NYSAR. Seating is limited – please register as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark!
LAST CHANCE to complete the membership survey and win a chance for 7.5 hours free WCBR continuing education as well. WCBR & WPMLS are wrapping up their long range planning survey on Friday 8/28 at 5:00 p.m. We’ll be using the responses to improve our products and services for the members. Do we know what YOU want? Only if you tell us! Please invest 5 minutes now for lasting benefit to your membership experience. Thank you.
In Memoriam
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Nora Chapis, a real estate associate broker for 23 years, on August 5, 2009. She worked at Prudential World Homes in Carmel for many years.
A wake will be held at Balsamo-Cordovano, 15 Church Street, Carmel, NY (845-225-2144) on Sunday, August 9th from 2-4 and 7-9.
Services will be held on Monday, August 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Balsamo-Cordovano and burial will follow at Raymond Hill Cemetary in Carmel.
NAR has set up a webpage on short sales. REALTORS® who are new to short sales can learn the basics and watch webinars to increase their knowledge. The site includes information about NAR's advocacy efforts to improve the process, getting a short sale to closing, and informing buyers and sellers about the process. There is also information on the upcoming Obama Administration short sales program, which will be part of the Making Home Affordable Program. The Treasury Department is targeting the end of July for issuing guidance and uniform forms and for signing up servicers to participate in the new initiative.
Check for ID
WPMLS has received a report that an individual is falsely using a member's MLS # and name to schedule showings with other agents. These recent incidents have been in the Bronx but could happen anywhere. Therefore we remind you always to request positive ID, and if you are going alone, always let someone know the who/where/when of your showing activities
Reminder for Office Procedures: Notify WPMLS Office Please remember to notify WPMLS of any changes in personnel in your offices. If an Administrator or Manager leaves your office - please notify WPMLS immediately so that we can deactivate their MLS Access to YOUR Office. Also, in some cases, ownership of the Lockboxes might also need to be reassigned – so please contact Emily Boseman at WPMLS to assist with those changes as well. Thank You – WPMLS Staff
Westchester WCR Luncheon Where: Casa Rina of Thornwood
886 Commerce Street
Thornwood, NY (914) 769-4515 When: Monday May 18, 2009 TIME: Luncheon 12:00 – 2:00 Click here for details!
PCAR Education:
Posted May 4, 2009
Economic Woes...Fact and Fiction
Instructor Marylyn Schwartz
4 hours CE. $70 tuition.
PCAR board office in Brewster
Tuesday, June 9 from 10am-2pm
Please call (845)279-7070 to reserve a seat today
WCBR & WPMLS HAVE FOUND GREAT NEW HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR “1099” REALTORS!
Posted April 7, 2009
Click here for the background and to link to a site that has the details.
Important information for Appraisers:
Posted April 13, 2009
As many of you know, Fannie Mae now requires the completion of its new Form 1004MC Market Conditions Addendum in connection with all one to four-unit appraisals. Rapattoni has created two new reports, Market Condition Detailed Report and Market Condition Summary Report, to help appraisers comply with the new requirement. Click here for a summary of the Market Conditions Report and how to run it.
Defensive Driving Course
Posted April 20, 2009
Defensive Driving Course removes points and often lowers your insurance premium. Sign up for the class June 9th and 11thby Liberty Mutual. Click here for more information.
Dream Home 2009
Posted April 28, 2009
There will be a special Realtor Day Westchester Magazine’s DreamHome 2009, on Friday, May 1st on Round Hill Road in Armonk. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 9AM. Realtors must reserve in advance. Click here for information on parking and how to reserve.
In Memoriam
Posted April 20, 2009
It is with deep regret that the WCBR
reports the passing of Albert Richard Cerrone retired principal owner of Century 21 Cerrone Realtors in Ardsley. Al become a real estate broker in 1956 two years before he retired as Lieutenant with the NYC Fire Department, and was one of the original members of Hudson Sprain. Two of his five children, Valerie and Andrew, are presently the principal brokers of the office which has been at the same location at 698 Saw Mill River Road in Ardsley these many years.
Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 10 am on Wednesday, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Ardsley. Interment at Ferncliff, Secor Rd in Hartsdale. Visiting Monday 7-9 and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, 64 Ashford Ave., Dobbs Ferry, NY
The next Young Realtor Group meeting will be April 21st, 6:30pm at WCBR in White Plains, followed by a social networking mixer at Brazen Fox on Mamaroneck Avenue. All Realtor members under the age of 40 are invited to attend! Please RSVP to Jason Wilson at 914-293-1111 or email Jason.Wilson@PrudentialRand.com
FAIR HOUSING & CULTURAL DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
Posted April 10, 2009
WCBR President Leah Caro, and Fair Housing & Cultural Diversity Chair Elvira Castillo, are seeking WCBR members to join and participate in this important committee. The first meeting will be held on Friday, April 17, 10am at the WCBR offices. All are welcome but please RSVP by April 15 to Richard Haggerty at richard.haggerty@wcbr.net.
In Memoriam
Posted April 7, 2009
The office of Prudential Wykagyl Rittenberg Realty is saddened to report that Anne Meyer passed away on April 6, 2009 after a brief illness. She started her real estate career with Larry Rittenberg in 1970 and had been a valued member of our office for 39 years! She was highly respected in the real estate community. Anne’s husband, Charles, predeceased her. She is survived by her sons Douglas (daughter in law Sue), Richard and Teddy. Anne will be missed by all.
A memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday April 10th at Temple Israel of New Rochelle, 1000 Pinebrook Blvd. New Rochelle, NY 10804.
A Showing System Questionnaire is available for Participants (Owner-Brokers) Only. Deadline is April 7th.
Posted April 3, 2009
All others (managers, agents), you are welcome to view the questionnaire but please do not answer it yourself. If you have opinions to state, please convey them to your Participant/Owner in charge to report them on your behalf. Click here for more information.
Star Maker Event
Posted March 25, 2009
Join Sheldon Spiegel on April 16 as he invites you to learn "How To Be Competitive In Today's Tough Market Conditions". Click here for details.
NAR Offers Free & At-Cost Products/Services
Posted March 3, 2009
www.REALTOR.org/RightTools. Don't just glance at the home page. Drill down and do some more clicking because there is a lot of material there.
To All WCBR/WPMLS Members:
Posted March 31, 2009
There is an e-mailed Call to Action from the NYS Association of Realtors coming your way that deals with the NYS Budget which is most unhelpful to the real estate industry. Participate in the Call to Action, please! All it takes is two clicks to send a letter to the Governor over your name. It's your livelihood. Do something! Thank you very much.
Showing Appointment System
Posted March 12, 2009 IMPORTANT NOTICE
WPMLS is considering a showing appointment system for all members. This would affect you whether or not you sign up for it.
Informational demonstrations are scheduled for March 31 and April 1.
You or a company representative need to attend! Click here for more information!
Last Chance for Online Ethics Class
Posted January 06, 2009
All Firms: the 2009 Affordable Housing Expo at the County Center is Saturday, March 7. Booths are available, and Spanish speaking Realtors are also needed. Deadline to reserve is March 2!Click herefor more information.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE RE UNPAID WCBR DUES
Posted February 24, 2009
If you are a WCBR member who has not yet paid your 2009 membership dues, you are placing your firm at risk of having its WCBR and WPMLS services turned off starting the morning of March 2nd. Please see your principal Realtor immediately to avoid this unfortunate outcome. We are sorry to have to press for payment now, but the invoices were issued in early December and WCBR needs to account for your membership status with NAR & NYSAR as well as acquire revenues to pay our own bills. Thank you for your cooperation.
White House Forclosure Mitigation Plan
Posted February 19, 2009
Regulation of Mortgage Lending Class
Posted February 13, 2009
Pace University Law School (White Plains) is running an all-day program on March 20 on the regulation of mortgage lending and related topics. Of course it’s aimed at attorneys, but the content appears of interest to Realtors as well. There’s no registration fee. Click here for more information.
Attention Brokers,Owners,Managers
Posted February 9, 2009
Join us on February 25 for a complete rundown on how your MLS is improving itself for you. Click here for details.
In Memoriam
Posted February 20, 2009
Patricia Lillly, long time sales associate at Coldwell Banker Carlson tragically lost her son, James (Jimmy) Andrew Lilly, age 45, when he was killed in a hit-and-run accident. The accident took place on Valentine's Day while he was walking near his home in Boca Raton, Fl.
Viewing will take place on Sunday, February 22 from 2-5PM and 7-9PM at Westchester Funeral Home, 190 Main street, Eastchester.
The Funeral Mass will take place at the Church Of The Annunciation, 470 Westchester Avenue, Crestwood on Monday, February 23 at 10AM.
NAR is working hard to get real estate items into the "stimulus" bill. They are putting out easy-as-pie Calls to Action where you do a couple of clicks to have NAR email a pre-written letter to your legislator over your name. No effort at all – but you won’t get these if you aren’t registered. And your legislator won’t hear from you – which is too darn bad – because the stimulus package is only your livelihood at risk! Please, folks, get with the program and help NAR get some action going in real estate. Take a minute to register at the Action Center. Thank you. P. G. Mercurio, CEO.
Time Is Running Out to Accept the Master License Agreement!
Posted January 15, 2009
All Principal Broker/Owner Participants must accept the master license agreement or they will lose WPMLS access.
You must choose Option 1 or Option 2 not later than January 31, otherwise we are obliged to suspend WPMLS access until you do so. Please act now. Thank you.
PCAR CE Classes:
Posted January 9, 2009
Need 3, 3.5, 4 or 7.5 hour continuing education classes?
We have a great variety of classes. (Five Environmental Hazards, Agency Awareness Workshop, Working With Seniors, Helping Sellers Whose Listings Have Expired, Buyers & Sellers...Provide the Leadership) Most are brand new classes!
Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity Committee
Are you interested in serving on WPAR's Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity Committee? If so please contact WPAR Deputy EO Richard Haggerty at richard.haggerty@wpar.com.
Attention all Members:
Do you know of any Realtors who are running for elective office this year - mayor, supervisor, council member, trustee, etc.? If so, please notify CEO Gil Mercurio right away (pg.mercurio@wpar.com) and definitely before WPAR's Legislation Council meeting on Aug. 17. We might be able to support those candidates with RPAC funds.
In Memoriam
Robin Birrittella, an associate broker with Legends Realty Group, passed away Saturday, August 14th.
Visitation will be at Coffey Funeral Home on Monday from 7-9 PM and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Her Funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 10:00 at Transfiguration Church with internment to follow in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory are requested to Tarrytown Beautification Foundation, Inc. 56 Neperan Road Tarrytown, NY 10591 COFFEY FUNERAL HOME 91 N. Broadway Tarrytown, NY 10591 914-631-0983 coffeyfuneralhome.com
In Memoriam
Theresa (Teri) Vitaliani, executive secretary for 27 years with WCBR/WPAR/WPMLS, passed away on August 6th from lung cancer. She had been living near her daughter Raquel ("Rocky")and son-in-law Jason and grandson Kenneth in the San Diego area after retiring from our organizations at the end of 2009. She is being buried in Westchester, however, where her mother and grandparents lived. Click here for funeral arrangements.
New Open House feature on REALTOR.com® Uploading Open House information to REALTOR.com® just got easier! We're partnering with REALTOR.com® to pull your Open House data directly from our MLS system, and automatically publish it on ALL listings that appear on REALTOR.com®. To take advantage of this new feature, just add your Open House data into the MLS system. Click here for more information.
NYSAR is still has some spots for singers, dancers, comedians, magicians and other talented folks for its REALTORS GOT TALENT RPAC fundraising event on Monday, Sep. 13th, 8 pm, at the Rye Hilton. Want to show off? Then contact NYSAR staffer Blaise DiBernardo at bdibernardo@nysar.com or 518-463-0300 x 216 ASAP.
This event also includes both a live and silent auction. The auction value of the item you donate will be credited to your RPAC contribution account. Contact NYSAR staffer Derick King at dking@nysar.com or 518-463-0300 x 238. Click here for more information.
Fraud Alert: Avoid This E-mail Scam Sham e-mails from a wealthy, out-of-area consumer looking for a residential property have been landing in real estate professionals' Inboxes in the past few weeks. The messages, which come from a variety of aliases, are written in an unnatural, grammatically incorrect manner. If the real estate professional responds to the inquiry and sends the individual listing information, the alleged buyer selects the most expensive property from the list for purchase, claims that it will be an all-cash transaction, requests the information that he needs to write on the deposit check, and states that the check will be sent either to the real estate brokerage or to an attorney. Then, the practitioner will receive a forged check larger than the deposit amount; if it's cashed, the alleged buyer will immediately withdraw the overage amount from the escrow account, which is the amount that the real estate pro will lose when the bank discovers the initial check is a forgery. If a member receives this e-mail, locate your local FBI office here and forward the message there.
Can You Afford To Pay $6,000 for Your Agent's Advertising Mistake?! Don't miss this exciting Broker/Owner, Manager Event, Tuesday July 20, 9 am at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains. Titled "New York Has a New Revenue Source – YOU," you'll learn what practices and complaints can land you in hot water with the state, and empty your bank account. Presenters: Ed Sumber, Esq. & Richard Haggerty, Deputy CEO. Cost: $10 per person. Click here to register
Attention All WPMLS Users: At their last meeting in May, the WPMLS Directors passed a number of Rules modifications. One of the modifications concerns the owner's name field. The Directors amended Section 7:5 of the WPMLS Rules and Regulations as follows: "Only an Owner's true name may be inserted in the 'owner' field of the listing form. The use of any 'farm' name or ‘estate’ name, for example, is prohibited.” In the event the owner instructs that their name be "withheld" from the listing, Section 7:30 stipulates that such instruction must be in writing and must either be a part of or attached to the listing agreement attached to the listing. The initial fine for violating Section 7:5 is $50 per occurrence.
Would you like to recommend someone to serve as a Director of WPAR or WPMLS?
Are you yourself interested in applying to serve? Now is the time to make application. For WPAR, please see the attached article, then post an application as instructed. For WPMLS, please see the attached list of nominating committee members for your Area, then obtain an application and send it to one of them as soon as possible. Both Boards of Directors want the best people – and so should you! Propose them!
WPAR on "Good Morning Hudson Valley" radio show John Kope, Chair of WPAR's Legislative Committee, will be a guest on "Good Morning Hudson Valley" radio show tomorrow, July 1st at 8:20 a.m. Listen at WLNA 1420 AM, and WBNR, 1260 AM.
DO SOMETHING! to ward off a possible increase in the mortgage recording tax. A busload of your colleagues just went to Albany to speak out against this pending tax catastrophe. Show them they didn’t waste their time! All you have to do is click here to enable a prepared letter to be sent to your legislator. Real estate is your livelihood: don’t let the Legislature trash it with ever-higher transaction taxes. Thank you!
Kickoff of WPARs New YPN at C.W. Brown's on June 2!
Join us for the kickoff of WPAR’s new Young Professionals Network on Wednesday, June 2 at 5:30 at C.W. Brown’s new “green” headquarters in Armonk, NY. Refreshments and appetizers will be served at this FREE event. Network with other young real estate professionals and tour C.W. Brown’s new, totally "green" facility. We look forward to seeing you there!
Click here to register!
Check ID
WPMLS has received several reports of individuals falsely using a member's MLS # and name to schedule showings with other agents. Listing offices should consider calling the showing agent’s office to reconfirm the appointment. Also, listing offices should always require positive ID when providing one day showing codes.
Click here to watch the RPAC video.
We are close to our goal for RPAC pay the small amount of $15 and we reach our goal with flying colors. Make checks payable to RPAC and send to WPAR 60 South Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601 I know we can do this It ends Friday so send in those checks! Click here for more information about RPAC
Next RPAC Networking Party – Monday, May 10!
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Join us on May 10 at Burke’s Bar, 645 Bronx River Road in Yonkers, for another exciting RPAC networking event. Just $25 includes food, $35 for food and WPAR golden apple pin.
Click here to register
Next RPAC meetup at Mickey Spillane's
Posted April 21, 2010
Join us for another exciting RPAC Networking Event at Mickey Spillane’s, 431 White Plains Road in Eastchester, on Monday, May 3, 6 to 8 p.m. $25 includes food, $35 includes food and WPAR Golden Apple pin. Hope to see you there!
Click here to register
WCR Networking Event, April 29 in New Rochelle
Posted April 23, 2010
Join the Women’s Council of REALTORS for this FREE event on Thursday April 29, 6 – 8 pm at transFORM and The Sliding Door Company, 20 Jones Street in New Rochelle. Enjoy free hors d’oeuvres and wine. RSVP to Terri Crozier at tcrozier@houlihanlawrence.com or (914) 391-9277.
April is Fair Housing Month
Posted April 1, 2010
April 2010 marks the 42nd anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act. Each year REALTORS® recognize the significance of this event and reconfirm our commitment to upholding fair housing law as well as our commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property.
WPAR’S own Elvira Castillo, Chair of the Fair Housing Committee, was a recent guest on “Good Morning Hudson Valley” radio program discussing Fair Housing. The show covers northern Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Orange counties. Listen here to her interview with show host Bruce Owens
Also please take advantage of the free Fair Housing NAR publications from the Right Tools, Right Now collection below.
Next RPAC meetup at Molly Spillane's
Posted April 8, 2010
Join the fun at another exciting RPAC Networking event on Monday, April 19, 6 to 8 p.m. at Molly Spillane’s, 211 Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck. Just $25 gets you free food, while you support RPAC. There will be a cash bar. The REALTOR Political Action Committee fights for you and protects you against the proposed new co-op mortgage tax, cutbacks in the STAR program, threats to mortgage interest deductibility, and much more. Click here to register by April 16
Young Professionals Network (YPN)
Posted April 8, 2010
It's Official! The WPAR now has its own YPN chapter! Formerly the Young REALTORS Group, the YPN’s mission is to promote the changing face of the industry, networking, and building lasting relationships among members. This includes: encouraging young real estate professionals to get involved with local and state level association;, identifying ideas, feedback and educational development for the next generation of REALTORS; encouraging younger members to be more involved in our Association’s RPAC program; and much more. To become a member, contact Jason Wilson, YPN Committee Chair at jwnyrealtor@aol.com.
Women's Council BreakfastJim Rood, Lighthouse Environmental, Talks about the new environmental rules on carbon monoxide, asbestos, lead paint and radon.
Denise Comilloni, Servepro, talks about mold mitigation and bio hazard/crime scene clean up.
Where: Mt. Kisco Holiday Inn | When: April 19 Monday | Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Join us tonight at the Sports Page in White Plains for another exciting RPAC networking party!
Enjoy some great complimentary food and cash bar, and meet former New York Giants Super Bowl center Bart Oates who will be in town for this event! All this for just $25! Help RPAC protect you against the proposed new co-op mortgage tax, cutbacks in the STAR program, and threats to mortgage interest deductibility among other problems.
We'll see you there!
Click here to register for White Plains, Area 4: Sports Page, April 6th, 6:00-8:00pm
Women's Council of REALTORS Monthly Lunch of Knowledge, March 31, 2010, with Ed Sumber, Legal Counsel WPAR, and Richard Haggerty, Deputy Executive Officer WPAR discussing what every agent needs to know to stay out of trouble in 2010. RE continues to become more complex, this session will provide imporatnt information YOU need to know to avoid those hidden landmines. Click here for more information.
Ranking Report Update
Posted March 18, 2010
The WPMLS Board of Directors have authorized modifications to the Ranking Report in Rapattoni MLS that will affect how credit is apportioned in co-agencies between firms or within a firm. For “dollar volume” Ranking Reports, the dollar volume will be apportioned on a 50% basis between the two co-agents. For “number of transactions” Ranking Report, the transaction credit will only accrue 100% to the lead agent or office. The Ranking Report will continue to only be accessible to broker owners and office managers.
All Members:
Posted March 18, 2010
If you’ve received a NYSAR Call to Action regarding the Governor’s proposed mortgage recording tax on co-ops, answer it! The last thing we need is another transaction tax. This one would add $1,800 to the closing costs on a $175,000 co-op with 80% financing. If you haven’t received a Call to Action, go to this address, http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/cooperativeMRT/wg78uuirvjeed55k?, and see the “Click here” message on the right side of the page to send your own message. It’s your livelihood and potential purchasers that are under attack! Thank you.
In Memoriam
Long time Broker, William Meyer of William J. Meyer Realty in Carmel,
passed away on March 18th after a brief illness.
A Memorial service will be held at a date to be announced.
Area 3 Realtors Networking Party on Monday, March 22!
Posted March 16, 2010
Join the excitement at Rain Water Grill, 19 Main Street, Hastings on Hudson on March 22 from 6 to 8 pm. Enjoy great food and networking, for just $25. You’ll also be contributing to R-PAC, which helps WPAR fight bad news for real estate like transfer taxes, STAR cutbacks and more. A cash bar is provided for beverages. RSVP by MARCH 18. Click here to reply
Women's Council of REALTORS Monthly Lunch of Knowledge, March 31, 2010, with Ed Sumber, Legal Counsel WPAR, and Richard Haggerty, Deputy Executive Officer WPAR discussing what every agent needs to know to stay out of trouble in 2010. RE continues to become more complex, this session will provide imporatnt information YOU need to know to avoid those hidden landmines. Click here for more information.
In Memoriam
Posted March 4, 2010
We regret to announce the recent passing of our dear friend and colleague, Bunny Adams, an Associate Broker with Houlihan Lawrence’s Cold Spring Office. Bunny began her real estate career in 1985. She served on the Putnam County Association of REALTORS later became Vice-President of the Board. She was one of the first three Putnam County Brokers to complete the CIPS Institute Training Program.
The family will receive friends, family and colleagues on Saturday, March 6th between 11 -1 PM at the Balsamo-Cordovano Funeral Home, 15 Church Street, Carmel NY 10512. A Memorial Service will follow immediately afterwards at 1PM at the Funeral Home.
With the rescheduled date of March 2, there is still time to register for this exciting event. You can register online now at https://ims.wcbr.net. Or fill out and fax in the registration form.
FAIR HOUSING & CULTURAL DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
Posted February 23, 2010
WPAR President Leah Caro, and Fair Housing & Cultural Diversity Chair Elvira Castillo, are seeking WPAR members to join and participate in this important committee. The first meeting of the year will be held on Monday, March 1 at 2PM at the WPAR offices. All are welcome but please RSVP to Richard Haggerty at richard.haggerty@wpar.com
Reminder:
Posted February 12, 2010
WPMLS has two fields under "additional criteria" that are very relevant to current market conditions: Short Sale (Yes/No) and REO/Bank Owned (Yes/No). While these are optional entry fields, we hope agents will enter the Yes/No when appropriate in order to facilitate searches and to make appropriate disclosure. Short sale means that the liabilities of the property exceeds the sales value and that a short sale will be needed to sell it. REO/bank owned means that the property has been foreclosed and is now owned by the lender.
ALL MEMBERS:
Posted February 12, 2010
There's an important- and bad - piece of wetlands legislation coming up in the State Senate, and NYSAR and WPAR need your help to counter it. If you were signed up for NYSAR's "Call to Action" program you could have already clicked NYSAR's model letter forward to your State Senator. If you are not enrolled, please take two minutes now to review the sample letter, then sign up to have it sent for you. You do this just once and you'll be able to click just one-time for future Calls to Action. NYSAR's and WPAR's legislative team is so much more effective for you when you yourself lend your voice. Thank you!
ListHub: Data Syndication Service
Attention all Agents: ListHub now offers direct agent accounts and reports in firms where the broker has a ListHub account. Explanatory webinars are scheduled. Click here for information. If you don't know what ListHub is, check it out on www.ListHub.com.
Where: Renaissance Hotel 80 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains
When: February 22, 2010
Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm LUNCH Click here for more details.
ALL MEMBERS:
Posted December 22, 2009
Effective December 22, WPAR’s Internet address has become www.wpar.com, replacing wcbr.net. to save it as a “Favorite”. WPMLS remains www.wpmls.net. Staff email addresses become FirstName.LastName@wpar.com; you can look us up individually on the Directory tab. The old addresses will still work, but it’s preferable to use the new. We don’t think the changeover will affect anything in the way of passwords or contact rosters, but if you run into any access difficulties, please email Webmaster Paul.Plett@wpar.com or IS Director Gary.Connolly@wpar.com, or phone them at 914 681 0833. Last, guaranteed that on a Website this size, there will be some old “wcbr.net” squirreled away in odd corners that we’ve overlooked. If you find any, feel free to tell us where, so we can correct it. Thanks very much.
In Memoriam
Posted January 14, 2010
With great sadness, we announce Barbara Glassman passed away last night. Barbara was a consistent top producer with the White Plains office of Houlihan Lawrence for many years and an absolute pleasure to work with. She was always there to help anyone at any time with their real estate needs and a great teacher to our agents here within the office. She will be missed terribly. Barbara joined Houlihan Lawrence in Feb 1996. Please see the information below regarding her funeral service along w/ the directions.
Mount Pleasant Cemetary
80 Commerce Street, Hawthorne (914.769.0397)
Graveside Service
Friday, January 15, 2010
11:00 am,
For Directions, please click here
ALL MEMBERS:
Posted January 11, 2010
Attention all “Residential” Realtors, especially those in northern Westchester. You are invited to attend the Commercial & Investment Division’s upcoming January 14 meeting, 8:15 a.m. at the WPAR offices in White Plains, at the low CID member price of $10. (Breakfast refreshments are served.) The subject matter is the status of the Reader’s Digest property in Chappaqua, the building now known as Chappaqua Crossing. Top-ranking speakers from Summit Development and Greenfield Partners will explain how they intend to proceed now that Reader’s Digest is free of its lease pursuant to a bankruptcy filing. How this 115-acre site is re-used will have a profound influence on the residential market in northern Westchester. CID meetings frequently make the news: You should be the first to hear it. Click here for the reservation form. Act quickly!
Tips & New Features from SentriLock include new cell phone connectivity! See their newsletter, SentriCares, for details.
SentriLock will be closed Thursday, December 24, for Christmas Eve and Friday, December 25, for Christmas Day and Saturday, January 1, for New Years Day
Members:
Posted December 10, 2009
Effectively immediately, WPMLS has arranged for your commercial listings to be displayed on www.Realtor.com.
Lockbox Reminder
Lockboxes should be placed on a secure mounting location that will allow the lockbox to rest in a vertical position not horizontal (i.e. a door knob). Do not place lockboxes on tree branches. We do sell flex cables if the area you want to place the lockbox is too narrow to accommodate the shackle of the lockbox.
Attention All Members:
Posted November 30, 2009
The December 2009 edition of Real Estate In-Depth will go to press on December 9, and most of you should receive your copy shortly thereafter. The reason for the one-week delayed publication is that Editor John Jordan was hospitalized for a couple of days, but he has since recovered and is back in form. The next edition will go to press on December 30.
SentriLock Windows 7 Issue
Posted October 23, 2009
SentriLock has advised WPMLS of an issue related to Windows 7, which was released on 10/22/2009. This issue does not, in any way, affect the performance or functionality of the SentriLock Card Utility or SentriCard. Windows 7 has made a change as to how Windows detects SmartCards. Click Here for more information on this issue. Should members have any questions about these messages and/or steps, please feel free to direct them to call SentriLock support at 1-877-736-8745. Support Representatives are available from 8am to Midnight EST and will be happy to answer any and all questions.
White Plains WCR Breakfast on Safety
Posted October 7, 2009
Where: SAM’S OF GEDNEY WAY,
White Plains
When: MONDAY October 26
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Program Begins at 9:30am INTERNET SAFETY with Steven Santamorena HOME SAFETY with WP Police Officer Tom Richter PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE with Lauren Zaccaria Where the wild things are! Do you know what dangers are lurking for Realtors? with Richard Haggerty Click here for more information
Furniture Drive
Posted October 8, 2009
Saturday, October 24th,
9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.,
North Castle Town Hall,
15 Bedford Road, Armonk, NY Click here for more information
Listing Brokers Should Be Alert to Rental Scams
Posted September 30, 2009
There has been an increase in reported rental scams. In some instances individuals pose as the listing agents for rental properties currently listed and advertised by legitimate listing offices, offering the properties for substantially reduced rents. They attempt to collect security deposits and other fees from tenants who think they are dealing with the legitimate listing offices. In some instances the contact is initiated on Craig’s List, and is solely e-mail based. But in other instances “imposters” actually show properties and attempt to collect fees in cash. An individual was recently arrested in the White Plains area posing as an agent, attempting to collect fees from potential renters. Listing agents are encouraged to exercise the utmost care in verifying the identity of individuals accessing rental properties, and should report any suspicious activity to the police. It also helps to use the Sentrilock or other secure access system to thwart unauthorized entry.
Attention All Members in the MTA region:
Posted October 5, 2009
The new MTA payroll tax does affect independent contractors with net incomes exceeding $10,000. For more information, click here.
Extend the Tax Credit
Posted September 21, 2009
All Members: The $8,000 tax credit has stirred up some market activity, so let's get it extended! All you have to do is click this link to the Realtor® Action Center, enter your contact information, and NAR will automatically send an email to your elected representatives urging them to extend the credit. It's so simple and so easy, so just do it already! Thank you. WCBR & WPMLS
Check for ID
Posted September 23, 2009
WPMLS has received a report that an individual is falsely using a member's MLS # and name to schedule showings with other agents. These recent incidents have been in Hyde Park and Somers, but could happen anywhere. Therefore we remind you always to request positive ID, and consider calling the showing agents office to reconfirm the appointment.
HGTV’s hit TV series, House Hunters, is coming to Westchester
County this year and we’re looking for homebuyers and real estate
agents who want to appear on the show! Click here for more information.
In Memoriam
The Brewster Office of Houlihan Lawrence sadly reports that our friend and fellow agent Melinda (Missy) Rosengarten passed away on September 1st after a long battle with cancer.
We will always remember her bright smile and positive attitude, she will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 12, 2009 at 11AM at the Gipsy Trail Club in Carmel (Kent Lakes), NY. For further information call 845 279 6800
NAR Seeks Videos of $8K Tax Credit in Action. Prizes available. Click here for info.
Free Fair Housing Networking Event
The Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity Committee will be conducting a networking event on Wednesday, July 15th, from 4:30 until 6:30 at the Board offices. This event is free and open to all Board members but you must pre-register to attend. Click here to register and help the Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity Committee celebrate summer! We'll also have a representative from the County's Human Rights Division in attendance.
All WPMLS Users:
Please don’t forget to report any and all sales and rentals that took place during the second quarter, April 1 through June 30, 2009. We want the quarterly statistical report to be as accurate as possible, and YOU want to have the maximum number of comps available as well. Thank you.
Free Insurance Seminar Free long-term care insurance seminar available on July 7. After the seminar contact WCBR Preferred Provider Newhouse Financial & Insurance Brokers for more information.
Defensive Driving Course
Defensive Driving Course removes points and often lowers your insurance premium. Sign up for the class June 9th and 11thby Liberty Mutual. Click here for more information.
For an upcoming issue of New York State REALTOR magazine, NYSAR is looking to talk to a few New York REALTORS who have encountered less than ideal situations while out with clients, showing an open house or while performing work-related tasks.
E-mail Amy Lasek alasek@nysar.com. Include a little about the situation and what your reaction was. A handful of stories will be chosen to highlight in the upcoming September/October issue.
If you or a REALTOR you know is passionate about housing-related charity work, send Amy Lasek an e-mail at alasek@nysar.com. Tell her a little about the charity and the work you do with them. A handful of people will be chosen to highlight in the September/October issue.
1st Quarter Market Statistics Now available
Posted April, 2009
GRI 405 is still available at PCAR offices on Thursday, April 30th. $25 savings for early registrants. Click here for more info.
It can’t hurt to have knowledge of President Obama’s “Making Home Affordable” program that can help people in some degree of distress with their mortgage situation. For handy summaries and reference materials click on www.realtors.org/makinghomeaffordable.
SAVE THE DATE!
Certified Distressed Property Expert Training Program
June 10th and 11th 9:00am - 5:00pm at WCBR in White Plains
The most comprehensive and fastest growing distressed property and short sale
designation in the country will be coming to WCBR to do a full 2 day training. Learn the complete process of how to list and close potential short sale and distressed properties. ALSO RECEIVE 10 HOURS CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT!!!
Full registration information will be available soon.
In Memoriam
Posted April 15, 2009
It is with deep regret that WCBR/WPMLS reports the passing of Mary Phelan Egan, retired principal owner and president of Hecht, Egan, & Nash, Inc., Realtors in Chappaqua, NY. Mary Egan was an active member of WCBR for many years and served as the organization’s President in 1979. She was recognized with the organization’s highest honor, WCBR Realtor of the Year, in 1984. Funeral services will be held Saturday, at 9:30am, meeting directly in St. Stephen Church, 6948 Main Street, Trumbull, CT. Interment will follow at the St. Francis Cemetery, Mount Kisco, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to Rosemont College Annual Fund, Office of Development, 1400 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com.
Participants/Owners:
Posted April 6, 2009
Don't forget to answer the showing system questionnaire. The survey closes at 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. We’d like to hear from everyone.
List Hub Data Syndication Service
Posted March 12, 2009
WPMLS ADDS NEW, FREE DATA SYNDICATION SERVICE: WITH YOUR OK, YOUR LISTINGS WILL BE SENT TO 25+ MAJOR INTERNET SITES.Click here for details.
Westchester County Recycling Rules
Posted March 16, 2009
Attend one of two seminars on Westchester County's Recycling Rules for Commercial and Residential Multi-Tennant Facilities to be held at the Westchester County Material Recovery Facility on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 10:30 a.m., and again at 2:00 p.m.
Click here for more information.
REALTOR.com® has scheduled a Marketing and Technology Real Estate Series Workshop in White Plains, NY on Wednesday, March 25th, 8:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Click here for reservation information.
Obama's Mortgage Stability Plan
Posted March 6, 2009
Agency Opens New Office in Yonkers
Posted March 16, 2009 Local Housing Agency Opens New Office in Yonkers to Address Mortgage Foreclosure/Default, and Predatory Lending.
Please join as we celebrate the opening of Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. (WRO) Yonkers office Location: 164 Ashburton Avenue, 3rd Floor, Rm. 42 Yonkers, New York 10701 Date: Wednesday March 18th, 2009, Time: 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
Mortgage Interest Deduction At Risk!
Posted February 27, 2009
President Obama’s proposed budget calls for a cap on the amount of mortgage interest deduction that can be taken by households with $250,000 or more income. This will have a serious negative effect on the housing market, starting with high cost / high income areas such as our own. NAR, NYSAR, WCBR, and boards and individual Realtors across the nation are mobilizing against this idea. You need to participate!
Please read the attachments to educate yourself about the issue. Then join in any Calls to Action that come our way. WCBR will be seeking coverage of the Realtor point of view in our area’s major media. You can and should do so, too, but where we can most use your help is with the weekly newspapers, the local cable television programs, and local radio. It is important that we be heard in every forum. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
WPMLS regrets to report the passing of Irene Stuart-Bullock on Friday, February 27, 2009. She was born in Brooklyn on February 17, 1919, graduated from St. Angela Hall and St. John's University. After a career in advertising during WWII, she left to marry Wayne Bruce Stuart-Bullock, moving to Ossining in 1955. After Stu's death in 1965, she returned to work and began her real estate career in 1969 with the William J. Yates Agency in Briarcliff Manor, where she became Associate Broker and Sales Manager. She was the first to sell over $1 million dollars of real estate in one year in Briarcliff and was a many-times member of the Million Dollar Club. After Old Man Yates died, she moved to Carolyn Dwyer R.E., later Prudential Carolyn Dwyer, where she was Vice President. At each office in which she worked, she put her advertising experience to use writing all the ads each week for the New York Times, Houses Magazine, Homes Magazine, and local newspapers. After brief stints at Prudential Albert in Croton and Perry-Kennedy Ossining in the 1990's, she returned to Pru Dwyer, and finally Houlihan-Lawrence Briarcliff after Carolyn Dwyer's death. She served on the Board of directors of the WCBR in the 1980's. She was known as the doyenne of Briarcliff real estate, and worked well into her 80's. As recently as 2001 she was a leading saleswoman at Prudential Dwyer.
She was pre-deceased by her eldest daughter, Jill, in 1967, and leaves behind her five surviving children, Shelley, Mari, Dana, Jock and Jeb.
There will be a reception at Waterbury and Kelly Funeral Home in Briarcliff on Wednesday, March 4, and funeral services at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Ossining on Thursday, March 5th.
Please email or call Jeb for more information: nomdusurf@aol.com, 914 941 1329.
"Moving Up" on The Learning Channel is looking for more buyers interested in renovations. Click here for details.
WCBR Regrets to inform you of the passing of Mary McGee.
Mary, associated with Coldwell Banker in Larchmont, passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening, February 4 after a long illness.
There will be a Memorial Service on Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 4 to 8 pm at the Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home, 767 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck.
Monday, February 9, there will be an 11 AM Mass at St. John and Paul Catholic Church, 280 Weaver, Larchmont.
HOLD THE DATE FOR THE ANNUAL SALES AWARDS CELEBRATION!
Posted January 30, 2009
Thursday, March 5th, a luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel, Tarrytown. Invitations to go out very soon.
Guest speaker: Noted regional economist Marc M. Goloven – not a dull boy at all! – who will help us sort out what’s ahead in the real estate market.
The awards criteria for this year have not changed since last year. WPMLS will soon release the list of qualified awardees.
In Memoriam
Posted January 22, 2009
WCBR Regrets to inform you of the passing of Frank Ragone.
Frank was a respected Sr. Associate Broker with 35 years of Real Estate Experience, previously an agent with Crowne Victoria Realty and most recently with Keller William Realty Partners, Yorktown Heights, before becoming ill. Frank passed away at his home in Mahopac, NY surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Wake will be January 23, 2-4 and 7-9pm,
Joseph J Smith Funeral Home
692 Route 6
Mahopac, NY 10541
845-621-1992
Funeral Mass will be Saturday January 24, @ 11:15 am
St Johns
235 Lake Blvd
Mahopac.
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO MODIFICATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS!
Posted January 21, 2009
Because of the increase in short sales in our market area, the WPMLS Board of Directors authorized an important change to the Modifications and Exclusions that adds a separate Modification, M8, for instances of potential short sales. Listing agents should use this Modification in the event the list price or potential sales price of the listed property is less than the amount of any outstanding mortgages and liens. The Directors also authorized a new Modification, M9, for situations where a property owner reserves the right to modify compensation to cooperating agents in the event the cooperating agent is requesting compensation from both parties in the transaction. Click here to view the new MODIFICATIONS / EXCLUSIONS.
PLEASE DO NOT ABUSE BROKER OPEN HOUSE NOTICES:
Posted January 22, 2009
WPMLS has received numerous complaints about abuses in the broker open house notice. Agents are listing open houses, and then indicating they are postponed or cancelled. Or an open house is listed with the caveat that property is on a lockbox, please check it out. The open house function is for alerting participants about actual open houses. It is not an advertising vehicle. Let's please all treat each other like professionals and not post 'phony' open house messages. If asking for cooperation doesn't work, WPMLS will impose fines for what are basically listing misrepresentations.
Attention Area 4 REALTORS®
Posted January 19, 2009
There is a vacancy on the WCBR Board of Directors for Area 4 Director. 2009 Electee Dorothy Jenson has been appointed to serve as Education Chairman, hence her directorship is freed up (the other Area 4 Director is Arlyne Ashkinos). If you are interested in being considered by the Leadership Committee for this post, please click for the job description and also for the application which you should send to WCBR to the attention of Leadership Committee Chairman Harding Mason as soon as possible but not later than January 27th. You can look up the entire Board of Directors roster on www.wcbr.net.
For Rapattoni MLS support call: 1-888-809-2249 (Support ID is 835) or email: mls@rapattoni.com
Celebrate Summer with your local Young Professionals Network (YPN) group on Wednesday, August 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kelly's Irish Pub 201 East Post Road, White Plains.
You'll enjoy FREE appetizers and a cash bar, while meeting and mingling with other professional Realtors. Remember, there are NO age restrictions! See you there! 
Please join us for our next RPAC Networking Party on Wednesday, May 19, from 6pm to 8pm at Frattelli’s Restaurant on Route 6 in Mahopac. For just $25, can enjoy delicious food and make connections while supporting RPAC. Pick up a new WPAR golden apple pin for just $10!
The next Young Realtor Group meeting will be October 21st, 6:30pm at 
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Join us on May 10 at Burke’s Bar, 645 Bronx River Road in Yonkers, for another exciting RPAC networking event. Just $25 includes food, $35 for food and WPAR golden apple pin.
Join us for another exciting RPAC Networking Event at Mickey Spillane’s, 431 White Plains Road in Eastchester, on Monday, May 3, 6 to 8 p.m. $25 includes food, $35 includes food and WPAR Golden Apple pin. Hope to see you there!
WPAR’S own Elvira Castillo, Chair of the Fair Housing Committee, was a recent guest on “Good Morning Hudson Valley” radio program discussing Fair Housing. The show covers northern Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Orange counties. 
Join the fun at another exciting RPAC Networking event on Monday, April 19, 6 to 8 p.m. at Molly Spillane’s, 211 Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck. Just $25 gets you free food, while you support RPAC. There will be a cash bar. The REALTOR Political Action Committee fights for you and protects you against the proposed new co-op mortgage tax, cutbacks in the STAR program, threats to mortgage interest deductibility, and much more. 
