Outlook upbeat for '97.

Forecasts for 1997 continue to appear to be very optimistic from key indicators such as the stable interest rates, strong consumer demand for previously owned homes (nationwide up 4.04 million in November 1996, up 1.8 percent from October 1996) and very optimistic feedback from active members.

According to NAR chief economist John A. Tuccillo, "The continued rise in the median price on a national and regional basis suggests that sales have remained steady in both first-time and trade-up markets."

The election of Governor Pataki and the appointment of Alexander Treadwell as Secretary of State establishes a business friendly environment. The repeal of the Cuomo tax will also continue to give a big boost to the industry.

On a local level, computerization of our Multiple Listing Service will demonstrate significant growth in 1997 in terms of participation from Realtors throughout the region to take advantage of the excellent service and opportunity. Growth of this Realtor organization and its successful networking events will continue with unprecedented popularity. Over 900 professionals attended the recent Holiday Party which is well known in the metropolitan region. The printed seating list illustrating the name of each guest and table assignment makes networking easy to renew old friendships or establish new business contacts. No wonder this organization continues to earn the slogan "Network for Success."

Mark Your Calendar

From regularly scheduled informational and networking breakfast seminars to major networking events, it's important to mark your calendar and plan on attending these significant opportunities. On February 27, Deputy Mayor Fran Reiter is the featured guest speaker for a breakfast seminar; on April 16, New York State Secretary of State Alexander Treadwell addresses the formal Realtor Banquet as the Keynote Speaker; on June 16, a full day of exciting activities are planned with the Real Estate Exhibition & Sports Expo to be held at the Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, NY; and the 1997 Holiday Party is scheduled for December 18 at the elegant Marina del Rey Caterers. Of course there are many seminars and other events also scheduled.

Membership in this Realtor organization has many benefits. The Realtor trademark identifies a professional who has gone beyond licensing to become a member of a local association such as the Bronx Board of Realtors and has agreed to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. Not all licensed real estate brokers and salespersons are Realtors. The terms are not synonymous and should not be confused. The term Realtor is also the distinctive and exclusive designation for the members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR), and local boards including the Bronx Board of Realtors (BBR).

Buyers and sellers require experienced professionals concerning their real estate needs. Realtors keep pace with the industry and have access to important information regarding laws, proposed legislation, government guidelines and up to the minute industry developments. Realtors will present a true picture when advertising and will not advertise property without the consent of the owner. They will recommend that legal counsel be obtained when necessary. Adherence to the Code of Ethics insures buyers and sellers of Realtors' obligation to provide quality service and loyalty as a top priority. The bottom line is simple. Realtors help you sell and they help you buy.

More benefits and Services

Membership in the Bronx Board of Realtors goes beyond authorization to utilize the Realtor logo into a wide range of valuable programs and services for professionals directly or indirectly servicing the real estate industry. Some of these benefits are: group health insurance premium discounts for excellent coverage at competitive rates; computerized Multiple Listing Service, (currently there are over 170 participating agents with over 600 active listings); Free Legal Hotline (for Realtors only) can potentially save thousands in legal fees; the Education Program features qualifying courses for salespersons and brokers plus continuing education courses; Mobile Telephone Program includes group rates and discounts; Complete Property Record Service provides block, lot, real estate taxes, owner information comparable market analysis; Discounts are available on lease forms for apartment, left, store, management agreements, etc.; Ethics and Arbitration Procedures can also save time and legal fees; Informational Seminars feature cutting edge topics for your benefit each month; Free Newsletter Subscription of the Professional Edge is mailed monthly; New Business solicitation provides companies the opportunity to advertise directly to industry professionals in four major publications; Networking opportunities are available by attending any one of three popular events; and more is available.

A broad cross-section of professionals are active in this organization including licensed real estate brokers, salespersons, property owners, property managers, banks, lending institutions, title and abstract companies, attorneys, appraisers, general contractors, and various companies servicing the real estate industry throughout the New York metropolitan area. I characterize the intelligent professional as being our best member. The organization brings together the most successful people in the industry by sponsoring major networking opportunities. Applications for new membership are currently being accepted. For more information, call [phone].