Waldwick, NJ – (February 1, 2021) - I would like to thank everyone for entrusting me as your 2021 President. I cannot express how thrilled I am to have this opportunity to give back and work together and take the association to the next level. In an effort to keep our members abreast of all that is happening within the association, I would like to provide some updates and share with you all some news of what is coming up at Greater Bergen REALTORS®.
We wrapped our first Board of Directors meeting where we approved the 2021 NJMLS Board of Directors and Executive Office roster. The following were approved effective January 28, 2021. Executive Team: Eileen O'Driscoll, President; Marc Stein, Vice President; Bill Gilsenan, Treasurer. Directors: Fran Blakely, Sarah Drennan, David Fanale, Audra Fontanella, Jacqueline Frank, Yesenia Frias, Larry Gruber, Rose La Pira, Sami Maalouf, Matthew O'Connor, Patricia Sudal, Randy Wine, and Ann Malesardi as an Alternate.
The construction of our new Saddle Brook, NJ office continues to move forward right on schedule. We are still estimating our move-in date set for June 2021.
Additionally, some updates on the state front, please be advised that New Jersey Realtors® Open Public Records Act (OPRA) Notice to Buyers, explains to buyers that they can obtain documents relating to a property under OPRA. It also includes examples of documents that a buyer may want to request, such as open and closed permits, documents about variances, code citations, inspections, certificate of occupancy, a list of off-site conditions that may affect the value of the property, and ordinances indicating if the property is in an air safety zone.
Buyers' agents must be aware that there is potential Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) liability for buyers' agents who obtain information on behalf of buyers that proves to be false or misleading. This includes responses to a request for documents about a property under the New Jersey OPRA that a buyers' agent provides to buyers that turns out to include incorrect information. It is best to have the buyer obtain such documents, but if you obtain any information on behalf of a buyer, be very careful to ensure that it is accurate.
February is a busy month for Greater Bergen REALTORS®. I could not be more pleased with all the work that we do, but also with how in tune we are with the cultures and diversity within our association and the areas that surround us. If you have not done so yet, I encourage you all to register for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration, happening February 10th at 7 PM EST via zoom. Every year, our Global Business Council has partnered with AREAA Northern New Jersey – this year, however, we were fortunate enough to work with our Global Ambassador Association GRAS (Global Real Estate Association of Seoul, Korea) and Scholastica (Gay) D. Cororaton, CBE, Senior Economist & Director of Housing and Commercial Research at National Association of REALTORS for a very special presentation. On February 18th, GBR’s Equal Opportunity & Cultural Diversity Committee will Celebrate Black History Month with the help of an all-star panel: Charlie Oppler - 2021 NAR President, Bryan Greene - NAR Director of Fair Housing Policy & Advocacy Group, Jeff Carter - President of Bergen County NAACP, Donnell Williams - President of N.A.R.E.B (National Association of Real Estate Brokers). For more information on our upcoming events, please visit our website at www.greaterbergenrealtors.com.
Finally, the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is running their first Online Auction for Valentine’s Day. Make sure to visit www.njrealtors.com/aution to place your bids. Not only with you be bringing a smile to your significant other’s face, but you will also be making an investment in your business.
I would like to close by formally congratulating all the 2020 Circle of Excellence recipients – last year was unique in every sense of the word, and yet your hard work and resilience reflect on this prestigious recognition set by NJ REALTORS.
I look forward to seeing you all virtually at our upcoming events/celebrations – hope that soon we are all able to be together again in the same room. As always, I would love to connect with you and get your feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].