January / February 2010
Transcription
January / February 2010
Caring • Committed • Community-Minded Official Publication of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® VOLUME 21, NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 GCAR Officers Officers and Directors Elected At Annual Meeting At its November 3rd Annual Meeting of the Membership, GCAR elected officers and directors to take office January 1, 2010. The meeting was held at The Desmond in Colonie and was chaired by GCAR president Sandra Nardoci. REALTOR® Laurene Curtin, Albany Realty Group, the 2009 presidentelect will move into the position of president on January 1, 2010. Elected at the meeting to join Mrs. Curtin were: Anthony Garufi (12), Fraida Varah Real Estate Group Joel Koval (12), Realty USA President-Elect – Paul Semanek, Realty USA President – Laurene Curtin, Albany Realty Group Secretary/Treasurer – Nina Amadon, Weichert, REALTORS®, Northeast Group GCAR Directors (term expires) Judy Rosen (12), Judy Rosen Real Estate Janna Shillinglaw (12), Keller Williams Capital District Jenny (Farrell) Zigrosser (11), Weichert, REALTORS®, Northeast Group NYSAR Directors (term expires) Marie Bettini (12), Albany Realty Group Cathy Griffin (11), Keller Williams Capital District Peter Staniels (12), Weichert, REALTORS®, Northeast Group CRMLS Directors (term expires) Jason Christiana (12), Prudential Manor Homes In This Issue: REALTOR® Honor Society 2009 - go to page 4! DATED MATERIAL Permit No. #164 Albany, NY With The President .......................................................................... page 2 Member Update ............................................................................... page 2 GCAR Develops Brochure for Members ...................................... page 5 Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® 451 New Karner Road Albany, New York 12205 PAID PRSRT STD U.S. Postage 2 Across the Association JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 With The President challenges that come our way. Last year brought many challenges to all of us who proudly call ourselves REALTORS®. I hope that you can look at some of the positives as well and go in to the new year with vigilance and determination to make the dream of homeownership a reality for your clients and customers. With thanks to our 2009 president Sandy Nardoci, we are in the process of redesigning the GCAR Website. The new site will be user friendly and loaded with helpful information for you all. 2010 GCAR President Laurene Curtin Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right! - Oprah Winfrey As I write my first column as your president of GCAR I am looking forward to a year full of success for our membership. Having a strong and committed Leadership Team at my side, our goal is to help each and every one of you throughout the coming year. Along with the dedicated staff at GCAR, we are positioned to face any And, again thanks to Sandy's neverending drive, our new Capital Region Skinny and Housing Market Reports are up on the GCAR website and will give you quick access to the market conditions in the Capital Region, helping you become the recognized real estate expert within your sphere of influence, These are two of the many changes Sandy made in 2009 and I personally thank her for all her hard work. She has inspired me and those around her to take our positions at GCAR seriously and do all we can to give our membership the tools you need to succeed. This year, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun; “In all, 4.4 million Americans look to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit before it expires by the middle of next year. From the enactment in February 2009 through October, NAR estimates 1.8 million households would have qualified to claim the first-time home buyer tax credit. Now with the tax credit deadline extended till the end of June 2010 (for closings, with contracts signed by the end of April, 2010) and also available to many move-up buyers, an additional 2.6 million families will likely claim the home buyer tax credit.” Yun also speaks on interest rates saying: On interest rates, the borrowing rate for a home purchase and refinance on a primary home has never been lower than it is now. The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 4.8 percent in early December. These indicators make me hopeful that we will have a robust market in the Capital Region in 2010. Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work. - Robert Orben Here's to hard work and success in 2010! Member Update Congratulations to the newly installed officers of the NYS Capital Region Women’s Council of REALTORS® who were installed December 3rd at the Saratoga National Golf Club: President: REALTOR® Brooke Hackler, Robmar Realty President-Elect: REALTOR® Jennifer Fortune Gras, Prudential Manor Homes VP of Membership: REALTOR® Marilyn Gibbons, Weichert, REALTORS®, Northeast Group Secretary: Daniela Bigalli, First Niagara Mortgage Treasurer: REALTOR® Susan Dawkins, Robmar Realty Sympathies are extended to: REALTOR® Paula Gaies, Weichert REALTORS®, on the death of her mother Gladys Benson. Congratulations to: Realty USA for being recognized by the Business Review as one of the “Best Places To Work” in the Capital Region. REALTOR® James Harder, Platform Realty, on the death of his mother Helen Harder. REALTOR® Robert Sandberg, Jr., Coldwell BVanker Prime Properties, on the death of his mother Viola Sandberg. Congratulations to: REALTOR® Marilyn Gibbons, Weichert, REALTORS®, Northeast Group, on being awarded the ABR® (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) designation. The family of past REALTOR® Garry Stevens, a past president of the Albany County Board of REALTORS®, on his death. The family of REALTOR® Gerrit Van Riper, Prudential Manor Homes, on his death. Across the Association The newspaper of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®, INC. 451 New Karner Road Albany, New York 12205 (518) 464-0191 • Fax: (518) 464-0196 “The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade association which provides its members with programs and services which enhance the members‘ ability to successfully conduct their businesses in a competent and ethical manner, promotes cooperation among its members, and promotes the public‘s right to own, use and transfer real property.” The voice for Real Estate in New York‘s Capital Region. Caring • Committed • Community-minded Officers President – Laurene Curtin President Elect – Paul Semanek Secretary/Treasurer – Nina Amadon Chief Executive Officer – James Ader Dir. Ed/Mbr. Svcs – Nancy Ruzzo Directors Jill Birdsall Anne Carroll Anthony Garufi Jennifer Fortune-Gras Cathy Griffin Patricia Hamm Joel Koval Estelle Momrow Sandra Nardoci Albert Picchi Judy Rosen Janna Shillinglaw Jenny Zigrosser World Wide Web page: www.gcar.com E-mail: [email protected] Production & Printing: Foley Publications, Inc. • (800) 628-6983 Graphic Designer: Scott Arnold, Foley Publications, Inc. Advertising Information: Foley Publications, Inc. • (800) 628-6983 The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy on the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS®. The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® does not necessarily endorse the companies products or services advertised in the newsletter unless specifically stated. Across the Association JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 3 Young REALTORS® Committee 2010 Chair Brooke Hackler As 2010 Chair for the GCAR Young REALTORS® Committee, I’m very excited about the upcoming year! I’d like to take the opportunity to reach out to REALTORS® under the age of 35 and let you know that it is not too late to get involved for 2010! I’ve been fortunate to be a part of this committee since it was created several years ago. Since its inception, our committee has sponsored programs and networking events designed for the younger members of GCAR. Recently, we have opened up many of our events to all of our GCAR members in order to increase attendance and broaden the networking possibilities. This past year, we sponsored a “Generational Differences” program featuring renowned speaker, Judi Clements. We also hosted Tom Nardacci for “Back to Basics, Into the Future” and a very well attended “Top Producer Panel.” STAFF DIRECTORY GCAR STAFF Tel: 518.464.0191 Fax: 518.464.0196 E-mail: [email protected] Chief Executive Officer James A. Ader (Ext. 16) E-mail: [email protected] Director Education & Member Services Nancy A. Ruzzo (Ext. 15) E-mail: [email protected] Assistant to the C.E.O. & Financial Secretary Huguette Bushey (Ext. 14) E-mail: [email protected] Assistant Education & Member Services Gina Martin (Ext. 10) E-mail: [email protected] Administrative Assistant Nancy Krebs (Ext. 11) E-mail: [email protected] CRMLS STAFF Tel: 518.464.8913 Fax: 518.464.8915 Chief Administrator James A. Ader (Ext. 16) E-mail: [email protected] CRMLS Senior Administrative Assistant Diane Hazzard (Ext. 19) E-mail: [email protected] CRMLS Administrative Assistant Michele Miaski (Ext. 17) E-mail: [email protected] CIREB STAFF Tel: 518.464.0194 Fax: 518.464.0196 CIREB Executive Assistant Kelly Pierce (Ext. 12) E-mail: [email protected] In 2010, we plan to sponsor our 3rd Annual GCAR REALTOR® Track Day, hosted at the Saratoga Race Track. This has historically been an incredibly popular event, and we are hoping for it to be our 3rd year as a Sold Out event! Our committee has also had the privilege of working with the North East Parent & Child Society for two years in a row, to collect donations used towards their Holiday Hope Project. It’s been inspiring for our committee members to work together with our fellow REALTORS® and help out local children and families in need. We will be meeting in the early part of the New Year to brainstorm and design some exciting new programs and networking events for 2010. As a young REALTOR®, it is important to get involved! Participation leads to personal and professional growth and will undoubtedly open doors and create new opportunities! I have spoken with many of our seasoned agents that have been in the business for a long time, and the consensus is that they wish they had gotten involved at a younger age. The potential for growth and development increases exponentially the earlier in your career you get involved! It is also important in an industry such as ours, where competition is the norm, to develop positive relationships with your fellow REALTORS®. I would like to encourage you to get involved and see for yourself what a great experience working as a team with your fellow REALTORS® can be! If you are interested in knowing more about this committee or you have an idea for a program/event that you would like to see in 2010, please contact Brooke Hackler at bhackler@ marini.com. 4 Across the Association JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 REALTORS®’ Honor Society - 2009 Membership in the REALTORS® Honor Society is a means by which members of Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® are recognized for their contributions to organized real estate at the local association, that is GCAR level, and with the New York State and National Associations of REALTORS®. To be recognized as a member of the REALTORS® Honor Society your name must be submitted to the State Association by your local association. The submission process includes an application on which points are awarded for a member’s involvement in: - Association leadership capacities - Committee activity - Attendance at GCAR, NYSAR and NAR meetings and/or conventions - Participation in the Realtors Political Action Committee - and Continued participation in educational programs When completed that application is sent to NYSAR’s Board Operations Committee which, in turn, designates those persons to receive the RHS recognition. This year three GCAR members were so recognized by NYSAR for their continuing efforts on behalf of organized real estate. Te award was presented at GCAR’s 2009 Annual Meeting of the Membership. Those three REALTORS® are: Marie Bettini, Albany Realty Group Laurene Curtin, Albany Realty Group Sandra Nardoci, Prudential Manor Homes Professional Standards Report 2009 NAR Convention & Trade Show The following recommendations were approved by NAR Board of Directors at the recent National Association of REALTORS® Convention in San Diego. The recommendations came to the Directors through the Professional Standards Committee. Empower Yourself In 2010 And Sell More Homes Join this FREE partnership with OHI-ENY and become one of the hundreds of real estate professionals fueled with the “selling power” of Oilheat. As a member of the OHI-ENY Oilheat-Realty Partnership, you’ll: 4 Get to know the “selling points” of today’s clean, safe, economical Oilheat through FREE programs, events and literature 4 Team up with local Oilheat dealers who can help you meet your clients’ pre- and post-purchase needs 4 Receive FREE exposure to thousands of potential clients as a “Preferred Realty Company” on the OHI-ENY website, www.oilheat-ny.com Contact OHI-ENY today and discover how Oilheat knowledge can help you sell more homes. 1 (800) 796-3342 www.oilheat-ny.com Brought to you by the Oil Heat Institute of Eastern New York and the National Oilheat Research Alliance. 1. Standard of Practice 12-5 amended as follows (underscoring indicates additions): REALTORS® shall not advertise nor permit any person employed by or affiliated with them to advertise real estate services or listed property in any medium (e.g. electronically, print, radio, television, etc.) without disclosing the name of that REALTOR®’s firm in a reasonable and readily apparent manner. Rationale: Ensures that advertising by real estate “teams” meets the Code of Ethics’ “true picture” requirement by ensuring that firm names are displayed in a reasonable and readily apparent manner. 2. A new Standard of Practice approved related to Article 3 as follows: REALTORS® shall not provide access to listed property on terms other than those established by the owner or the listing broker. Rationale: This new Standard of Practice addresses misuse of lock boxes and other concerns related to unauthorized access to listed property. Across the Association JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 5 GCAR Develops Brochure For Members To Promote Their Association Affiliation GCAR’s Public Relations Committee has developed a short “tri-fold” brochure for GCAR’s members to use when discussing their potential professional relationship with clients or customers. The brochure is intended to help point out why working with a GCAR member is the best choice when choosing a REALTOR®. The brochure, which appears below, is posted on www.gcar.com for members to download and print in their own offices. Take advantage of your GCAR membership. Working with a GCAR member is the logical choice for any homebuyer or home seller. Why Choose a GCAR Member? Only real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may call themselves REALTORS®. And all members of the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® are REALTORS®. united in purpose and dedicated to providing knowledgeable and ethical real estate services to consumers and to fellow REALTORS®. GCAR members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics which is based on professionalism, service to the public, and fair dealing with all parties to the transaction. Originally founded as a number of local Boards of REALTORS®, some as early as 1920, GCAR has grown to a full service Association of real estate professionals recognized by the general public, and business and government leaders, for its support of the rights of private property owners and the professionalism of its real estate licensees. Take a look at what GCAR is, what its membership represents, and who the professionals are who belong to GCAR and we think you’ll choose a GCAR REALTOR® member to handle the most important transaction in your life. History The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® (GCAR) is a trade association of real estate licensees and other professionals in related industries Community Relations GCAR has established a foundation, the GCAR Community Outreach Fund. Funded by GCAR’s membership the COF has contributed over $100,000 to not-for-profit organizations. GCAR’s Community Relations Committee helps GCAR members participate in the community through giving both their time and financial resources. Several of the organizations which GCAR has assisted are the Make A Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Living Resources, the Regional Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters. GCAR and its members are caring, committed, community- minded. continued on page 8 EARN MORE MONEY with Toll Brothers! As the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, we know that YOU are an important part of our success. We offer the following incentives* to Realtors when you sell a home at Estates at Halfmoon: • #OMMISSIONON!LL(OMESs!DVANCE#OMMISSION • 2ELOCATION2EIMBURSEMENT • %ARNUPTOANADDITIONALWITH2%!,4/2®2EWARDS Register at TollRealtor.com Today! Single-Family Homes from the Low $400s 4/,,s%STATES!T(ALFMOONCOM s&ULL3ERVICE)NSPECTION#OMPANY s#ERTIlED2ADON3PECIALIST Sales Center and Decorated Model: Open Every Day 11-6 3TONE#REST$RIVEs(ALFMOON.9 s,ICENSED0EST4ECHNICIAN s&LEXIBLE3CHEDULING s3AME$AY2EPORT WWW.SPIREINSPECTIONS.COM Lawrence McGann PHONE: 518-937-2952 Tim Lucey Prices Subject to Change Without Notice. Homes Available Nationwide. *$2,000 advanced commission is paid at ratification of the agreement of sale. REALTORS® are required to register and accompany clients on their initial visit. Licensed REALTORS® only. Subject to employing broker’s approval. Eligible relocation referrals must be from outside NY. Realtors Rewards are in addition to 2-1/2% standard commission, issued after execution of agreement of sale by Toll Brothers and approved mortgage commitment signed by buyer, not paid on lost agreements of sale. All promotions subject to change without notice and may be discontinued at any time. See Sales Manager for details. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. 6 Across the Association JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 CRMLS Elects Officers The Board of Directors of the Capital Region Multiple Listing Service, Inc. has elected its officers for 2010. The leadership team will help guide CRMLS through what promises to be a challenging year as they look to continue to add services while the Capital Region housing market looks to continue its re-emergence from from a slow 2008 and somewhat better 2009; and in the face of what is sure to be another drop in the number of CRMLS participants. Elected to serve in 2010 are: President – Peter Staniels, (GCAR) Weichert, REALTORS®, Northeast Group Vice President – Lorraine Schindler (GCAR), Lori Schindler Realty, the 2009 vice president elected to another term Secretary – Victoria Fobare (SSSAR), Sterling Homes Treasurer Laura Conrad (GCAR), Purdy Realty elected to a second term. Community Outreach Fund Donates $15,000 In 2009 GCAR’s Community Outreach Fund, its 510 c (3) charitable organizations has made donations totaling $15,000 during its 2009 fiscal year. The COF is funded through the generosity of GCAR’s membership by way of the semi-annual dues billing. Umbrella of the Capital Region This year the following local organizations received funding through the COF: Interfaith Partnership For The Homeless Marillac Family Shelter Wait House Schenectady Home Furnishings Program Saratoga Bridges Northeast Parent & Child Society Homeless & Traveler’s Aid Society Albany Housing Coalition YMCA Circle of Champs Times Union Hope Fund The current dues billing includes another opportunity to have a $5.00 donation made to the COF. Let’s continue to step up and support the charitable organizations of the Capital Region. Community Outreach Fund In Action The Making Strides For Breast Cancer of New York (l-r) Marie Bettini, Sandra Nardoci, Huguette Bushey, Charles Colehammer and Janna Shillinglaw sport the GCAR colors at “Making Strides For Breast Cancer” in Albany’s Washington Park. The Great Pumpkin Challange Phone: 888-223-5755 www.wnycommissionexpress.com ...in New York since 2002 GCAR, represented here by Susan Kiley, was a Monster Sponsor of the “Great Pumpkin Challenge” in Saratoga Springs to benefit Saratoga Bridges. Across the Association JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 7 Welcome New GCAR Members REALTOR® (principal) Bird Realty Jeffrey Dickert James M. McCarron, Brenner Realty Shayna Kudan By Owner Realty, Berne Jean C. Maloney, 21st Century Properties, Halfmoon Danielle Neroni, Clancy Real Estate Cathryn M. Glass Law Offices of Danielle Neroni, Albany Lisa Simeone Judith A. VanPatten, Luther Forest Real Estate LLC, Saratoga Springs Clark Realty David S. Hornberger Affiliate Coldwell Banker Prime Properties Stephanie Alant Jacqueline Goralczyk, Network Settlement Services, Clifton Park Dustin Bessette High Rock Realty, Inc. Ronald Cipriano Purdy Realty Julie Scibelli Keller Williams Distinctive Properties Samantha Brown Realty USA Jonathan L. Gibson Christopher Picard Nilsa L. Mercedes Keller Williams Capital District Suzanne M. Duffy Evan Gentile James F. Marzano, Jr. Adesso Realty. Brian Mattiske Nancy Otis John Swedish Alpha Omego Homes Christine VanGarderen Kristin Waters Miranda Real Estate Group Rebecca Burnett Select Sothebys International Realty Fred Waring III Christine Prendergast Fraida Varah Real Estate Group Sherri L. Ceravolo Pinnacle Realty Saratoga Tracy Egan Pamela J. DiBiase REALTOR® (non-principal) Linda Papa Prudential Manor Homes Kelly Brand Vittoria Real Estate Steven Bruno Cathy Ann Mingo Weichert Realtors Northeast Group Margaret F. Altomer Maria Perches Frances Fusco Kenneth P. Retell, Jr. Linda Mazzariello Exit Northway Realty George Prevendoski Syed M. Shahzad GCAR Affiliate Members Support Our Affiliate Members As they Support Us Trustco Bank Times Union TD Banknorth This publication is seen by 3,000+ local members, to advertise call: 800.628.6983 SEFCU Oil Heat Institute of Eastern New York NYS Office of Real Property Services Network Settlement Services NBT Bank HSBC Mortgage Network Home Mortgage Network Making More Money Selling Home Funding Finders First Rate Funding First Priority Mortgage First Niagara Mortgage First National Bank of Scotia Countrywide Home Loans Commission Express of New York Berkshire Bank Arnoff Moving & Storage With Masullo Brothers, New Home Sales Take Less Time, With Fewer Objections, and Great Referrals! Call 356-2000 Model Open Daily 1-4pm Rt. 146 A Clifton Park New Homes from the $400’s Price • Value • Features • Location 8 Across the Association JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 CIREB Corner CIREB Member Elect New Leadership CIREB members elected the following officers at its Annual Meeting of the Membership in December: REALTOR® James Conroy, Associate Broker, Prudential Blake Atlantic, President REALTOR® Kevin Parisi, Principal Broker, Trinity Realty Group, Vice President; and REALTOR® Peter McKee, Associate Broker, RE/MAX Premier, Secretary/ Treasurer. REALTOR® Paul Bulmer, Associate Broker, Vanguard Fine is 2010’s Immediate Past President. The membership also elected the following for Directors: Thomas Cairns, Associate Broker, NAI Platform; Michael Crisafulli, Associate Broker, Crisafulli Associates and Daniel Simpson, Associate Broker, CB Richard Ellis/Albany. Congratulations! 2010 Marketing Sessions James Conroy The Thursday January 7, 2010 session will be hosted by British American. Additional information can be found on our website. CIREB holds its monthly marketing sessions on the first Thursday of each month and are free to all CIREB members. Guests may attend these sessions at a cost of $10.00 per person. If you would like to attend a marketing session or join CIREB, please call Kelly Pierce @ 518-464-0194 or visit www.CIREB.com for more information. Welcome New Members Broker Membership Jean Maloney – 21st Century Properties, Mechanicville Associate Membership Dennis Brower – KW Commercial Mary Kearney – Realty USA James Marzano – Coldwell Banker Commercial Michelle Valenti – Larkin Commercial. N E W Y O R K S TAT E A S S O C I AT I O N O F R E A LT O R S ® Affiliate Membership First New York Federal – Represented by John Cotrofeld, Albany, NY Education January 29, 2010 – 7.5 Hours CE Credit – All about Leases. This course will explore the many different types of commercial property leases and the various issues that they need to cover. You will learn the terminology and key clauses found in most leases and examine the entire leasing process. A perfect refresher course for the experienced commercial broker or a great start for the new commercial REALTOR®. Cost: $100.00 for CIREB members or $125.00 for non-members. Fee includes breakfast and lunch. CIREB hosts CCIM Courses in 2010 CI Intro March 8 & 9 CI 103 July 26-31 CI 104 September 20-25. Registration should be made directly with CCIM – www.ccim.com GCAR Develops Brochure For Members continued from page 5 Fair Housing GCAR supports Fair Housing Programs and distributes Fair Housing material to its members and supports the efforts of community groups in the tri-cities and throughout the Capital Region to ensure fair housing opportunity for all persons. SECURE AND PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS With NYSAR, you have a voice at the state Capitol. Our 2010 legislative priorities include: • Combating higher property taxes that threaten housing affordability. • Improving anti-discrimination laws as they apply to cooperative housing purchases. • Creating an incentive to save for a first-time home purchase. • Improving the affordability and accessibility of health care for real estate professionals. • Fighting legislation to increase wetlands oversight. To get involved or for more information, contact us today. Visit NYSAR.com E-mail [email protected] Call 518.463.0300 x217 Access. Advocacy. Education. Regional Growth GCAR recognizes the importance of supporting the continued marketing of the Capital Region as a premier place to live, to work, and to locate new industries. GCAR is a major sponsor of the Advancing TechValley Initiative and has been hailed for its foresight and commitment. How A Realtor Can Help You: A REALTOR® knows the current real estate market and can help you set a realistic and competive price. A REALTOR® is familiar with the local home loan market, knows if buyer assistance is advisable and can help you decide the type of financing that’s best to expedite your purchase. A REALTOR® knows how to add sales appeal to your home at low or moderate cost. A REALTOR® knows how to find prospective qualified buyers for your home and knows where to find the best home to suit the needs of your family. GCAR is also a member of many local Chambers of Commerce and the Center for Economic Growth. A REALTOR® can tap an even larger market, if necessary, through referrals and internet marketing. Choose A Professional – A REALTOR® frees you from the problems associated with showing your home by handling all phone inquires, setting up appointments and attending open houses. Choose A GCAR Member GCAR recognizes that you have choices when it comes to choosing a REALTOR®. We ask that you consider GCAR members, what they represent, what they offer, and what they do for the community and we’ll think you’ll agree a GCAR member is your best choice. You will be choosing a real estate professional dedicated to protecting the rights of the buying and selling public while maximizing the opportunity for a successful real estate transaction. A REALTOR® will accompany the buyer on all viewings of homes for sale. A REALTOR® maintains objectivity in presenting offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached. A REALTOR® can familiarize the buyer or seller with closing procedures by explaing them in advance. A REALTOR® usually attends the closing with you.