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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®, Inc.
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August 15, 2014
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Welcome to the August 15, 2014 edition of the REALTOR® Review!
Our lead article is a letter from NAR President Steve Brown and CEO Dale Stinton about the actions REALTORS® must take to defend our value proposition in a rapidly changing world - a must read.
On a lighter note, test your "Where's Waldo" detective skills in our "Find the GBAR Officer" contest, which you'll find in our second article!
And finally, don't forget that the FREE REALTOR® Appreciation Event, sponsored by the GBAR Affiliate Council, is on for September 19! FREE Food! FREE Drink! FREE Fun!! Mark your calendars and check out the article under Upcoming GBAR Member Events.
As always, if you have any comments or suggestions for future issues of the REALTOR® Review, please feel free to email me by clicking here.
Barry Arnold, Executive Officer
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A Letter from NAR President Steve Brown
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| A Must Read: Letter from NAR President Steve Brown and CEO Dale Stinton
On Friday, August 1st, NAR President Steve Brown and CEO Dale Stinton sent an email to all NAR Members entitled, "The Fault Lies Not in the Stars...". It is a profound, thoughtful letter about how REALTORS® and REALTOR® Associations must take active steps to re-define our value propositions in the face of a rapidly changing playing field and external threats.
Such a redefinition is not new - REALTORS® have been doing so in the face of change for over 100 years. But today's threats are unique and therefore require uniquely tailored approaches. If you haven't already, I encourage you to read the letter in it's entirety by clicking here.
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Wanted!
Members with "Where's Waldo" Talents!
If you click here, you'll be able to read the latest e-version of NYSAR's Bi-monthly Magazine, the New York State REALTOR®. Hey, you should do so anyway.
But there's more to it than that! Buried in this issue are two photos of two GBAR Officers sitting together. Those shouldn't be too hard to find. But for you mega-sleuths out there, there is yet another separate photo which includes one of those Officers as well. See if you can find him!
If you are successful, email Barry Arnold, and say what page, photo and location in the photo where this last image can be found. Correct responses will win, um, the admiration of all GBAR Members and Staff for eternity. Can't beat that. Good Luck!
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September GBAR Education Frenzy!
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September Class Schedule at GBAR!
Welcome the Fall by signing up for one or more of the following courses which will be offered at GBAR in September!
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GRI 405 - Construction and Environmental Issues
September 17, 2014 8:30am to 5:30pm 
$125.00 for Members
Non-Members pay $150.00
7.5 Hours CE Credit
Instructed by Russ Romano
Click here for more information and registration instructions.
Please note:
Get 15 hours of CE credit for free!
NYSAR has partnered with GBAR to offer GRI Course 409, "Equal and Ethical Service" in Binghamton for free on October 29-30, 2014 to Members who register for another Graduate REALTOR® Institute course in Binghamton, such as GRI 401, 405, 406 or 408 (see course descriptions in this email). This is a limited-time offer for currently scheduled classes only, while space is available. To take advantage of this offer, call NYSAR at 800-239-4432, extn 219.
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GRI 406 - Price It Right: Understanding the Appraisal Process
September 19, 2014 8:30am to 5:30pm
$125.00 for Members
Non-Members pay $150.00
7.5 Hours CE Credit
Instructed by Roseann Farrow
Click herefor more information and registration instructions.
Please note:
Get 15 hours of CE credit for free!
NYSAR has partnered with GBAR to offer GRI Course 409, "Equal and Ethical Service" in Binghamton for free on October 29-30, 2014 to Members who register for another Graduate REALTOR® Institute course in Binghamton, such as GRI 401, 405, 406 or 408 (see course descriptions in this email). This is a limited-time offer for currently scheduled classes only, while space is available. To take advantage of this offer, call NYSAR at 800-239-4432, extn 219.
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Google Boot Camp - Now Earning 6 CE Credits!
By popular demand, G. William James is returning to Binghamton on September 24 to conduct his acclaimed Google Boot Camp Course, and now the course will earn you 6 CE Credits!
This full day workshop will empower each attendee with the comprehensive knowledge of the Google cloud apps, and a complete mobile office solution:
- Gmail Learn to use Gmail's unique filing and organization features
- Google Voice Customized messaging and voice call features
- Google Calendar Time management has never been so easy
- Google Documents Manage all of your documents and share them
- Google Picasa Store and share thousands of photos right online
- YouTube Upload and distribute listing videos like never before
- Google+ Learn to create a business page, and effectively network
- Plus Google Analytics, Mobile Apps, and more!
All this, and 6 CE Credits for just $90! To view a flyer and/or register, click here. You'll be glad you did!
If you want to take this course but do not require CE Credits, the cost will be $75. Click here if you would like to register without the need for CE.
PS: Space is limited - Book Now!
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Upcoming GBAR Member Events
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Sign Up Now for the September GBAR Monthly Business Luncheon!
Our September GBAR Monthly Business Luncheon will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at DeGennaro's at 300 Hill Ave in Endicott. The Luncheon, generously sponsored by Professiona Home Inspection Service, will feature both the recognition of GBAR Members who hold NAR-recognized Designations and Certifications, as well as Tommy Reid's Annual REALTOR Safety Presentation. Registration begins at 11:30 am, and the program and lunch will begin at 12:00 noon.
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For a flyer and registration instructions, click here. .
We hope to see you there!
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| FREE Dinner, Beer, Wine and Fun! The 11th Annual GBAR REALTOR® Appreciation Event is September 19!
The 11th Annual GBAR REALTOR® Appreciation Event, sponsored by the GBAR Affiliate Council, is now scheduled for Friday, September 19 from 5 pm to 8 pm! And this year, the venue will be at the Vestal Elks Lodge at 2071 Vestal Parkway West in Vestal!
Come enjoy the Affiliate Council's hospitality and entertainment for FREE! Click here for a flyer and registration instructions. You don't want to miss this event!
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| Know Any Service Men and Women Serving Their Country Overseas?
As many of you know, one of the most important programs run by the GBAR Community Service Committee is the recognition of local Service Men and Women serving overseas by sending them Care Packages. Do you know any local service men and women overseas who would appreciate one of these packages? If so, please email Community Service Chair Sandi Stebelton with their name and where they are posted overseas. Sandi and the Community Service Committee will take care of the rest!
Thank you!
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2015 Board of Directors Election
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BOD BALLOT ALERT!! THERE WAS AN ERROR IN THE BALLOT FOR THE BOD ELECTION WHICH WAS SENT OUT ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 7. IT SAYS YOU MAY VOTE FOR UP TO THREE (3) CANDIDATES, WHERE IN FACT YOU MAY VOTE FOR UP TO FOUR (4) CANDIDATES. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THIS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR BALLOT. THANK YOU, AND OUR APOLOGIES FOR THE ERROR.
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2015 Board of Directors Elections and Nominees 
As you may know, we have 4 openings on the GBAR Board of Directors for the 4-year terms beginning in January, 2015. We have 4 official nominees for these important positions, whose bios and thoughts regarding their candidacy are provided below.
Qualified candidates must be a GBAR REALTOR® Member in good standing, have been a REALTOR® for at least 3 years, and have served on 2 or more GBAR Committees. Finally, our Bylaws limit the number of Directors to a maximum of 3 from any given brokerage.
Ballots will be mailed to GBAR REALTOR® Members on August 7, and all ballots must be returned to the Association Offices by September 10. Election Results will be made public at the September 10 Monthly Business Luncheon, and in the September 15 REALTOR® Review.
Here are the bios for our four current candidates, Thomas Bronk, Kay Graves, Patricia (Trish) Mulrooney and Thomas Reid.
Thomas Bronk
As I was finishing up my Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, I chose an elective course that sounded interesting: Real Estate Transactions. That course sparked my interest in real estate. During that time, I met a girl named Erika from Owego, NY. After graduation, I moved to Owego and needed to find a job. It was the perfect time to start selling real estate. I received my license and began working for Realty USA in April of 2003 and was married to Erika by that October. On St. Patrick's Day, 2006, we gave birth to our best friend, Owen. Erika and Owen are the reason behind everything I do and every decision I make. Quite frankly, they make me the person I am today.
Well into in my 11th year as an agent, I've seen a lot of changes to our industry. At this point in my career, I want to be part of those changes to ensure that they:
1. Make sense
2. Protect our future
3. Benefit the Association as a whole
4. Make us more efficient
5. Make us more knowledgeable
6. Make us more valuable
I am an active member of the MLS Committee, the Realtor/Attorney Committee and the Grievance Committee. With a focus on making positive changes that will protect our Association and our careers, I will work diligently to represent you and your best interests. Now, along with Erika and Owen, you and our Association of Realtors, will be the reason behind every decision I make.
Kay Graves
Licensed in 1992
Associate Broker 1997
Designations:
ABR , CRS, GRI, SRES
NYS Certified Real Estate Instructor
GBAR Director since 2010, President Elect for 2015
Committees: MLS, Trade Show, Education task group, Web Site task group, Strategic Plan, Government Affairs, Nominating, Staff Review.
NYSAR Director
Agent Leadership Council (ALC)
I moved to the Southern Tier in 1996 when my husband, Bob, began teaching at Maine-Endwell High School. Since then I have been affiliated with Trevitt Realtors which became Keller Williams Realty in 2011. I work with our agents, mentoring and coaching them. I teach in my office in Vestal as well as the Horseheads Market Center. I am a member of the ALC (Agent Leadership Council) which is comprised of the top 20% of producers in the Market Center. I sing in our church Choir, have been involved in Marriage Preparation (Pre-Cana) programs. I am an avid reader, enjoy time with family .
My goal for the 2015 year as President of the Board will be to live the motto of our Board: "Believing in Our Community". Through the hard work of all our volunteer committee groups and members, we have shown our local community that we are more than just Realtors. We do believe that our towns, and neighborhoods are valuable to the people who live there. We believe in giving back, and have through many fund raising functions over the past years. We will continue to support these communities where we live as well. We have an outstanding group of agents, brokers and affiliates who give of their time, energy and money to make things happen. Voluntarism is vital to keeping our board functioning. Our membership depends on it! I would ask any Realtor member to look at our Association and find a group to work with, check out the monthly meeting and sit in. Meetings are all posted on the GBAR Web Site. Add your 2 cents, ($5.00 adjusted for inflation). We NEED you and your input to remain the GREAT Association we have become. THANK YOU to all who contribute so richly to our membership! I am available to anyone who would like to discuss how they can become more involved in the Association. Please call or email me anytime.
Patricia (Trish) Mulrooney
 I feel that I would be an asset to the association as a Director. I wholeheartedly believe that it is our duty to give back to the association that we are a part of. I look forward to helping to make positive changes to our association. As real estate professionals, we thrive on change and improvement!
I truly believe in education. Be it personal or professional, I believe that it progresses you as a person and as a professional to continually work on yourself.
*Licensed since 2001 *GBAR member since 2001
*Associates degree in business *Associate Broker
*GRI *GREEN certified.
*CRS *Certified with DOS to teach
*NYSAR graduate of the Instructors Training Institute (for which I paid a portion of the tuition using NYSAR scholarship money).
I have been an active volunteer on multiple committees at our local board. I was chair to the Tradeshow Committee for 2 years. I am on multiple committees at the NYSAR level as well, which came about just this year. It is exciting to see what is happening at the state level as well as the local level! I volunteer at the board, teaching a portion orientation.
On a personal note, I have three grown boys and 2 young granddaughters. When I am not working, you will find me with them....
Thomas Reid
I have served on the GBAR Board of Directors for the past 4 years and have been the President for the past 2 consecutive years. During that time I have always looked out for what is in the best interest of you, the members. Sometimes those decisions were not easy or popular but they were done with you and your business in mind. If you elect me to serve on the Board of Directors to your Association for the next 4 years I will continue to make the best decisions for the membership as a whole. Even though we are competitors in this industry we are in it together.
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| Interested in a September Wine Tour? Make a $100 RPAC Contribution and You're There!
The Otsego-Delaware Board of REALTORS® is hosting a Fall Wine Tour on September 10, 2014 to four Finger Lakes Wineries, and the bus stops in Binghamton! A $100 per person contribution to RPAC is all you need to pay, and you are on your way!
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| Back By Popular Demand: Google Boot Camp - Now Earning 6 CE Credits!!
By popular demand, G. William James is returning to Binghamton on September 24 to conduct his acclaimed Google Boot Camp Course, and now the course will earn you 6 CE Credits!
This full day workshop will empower each attendee with the comprehensive knowledge of the Google cloud apps, and a complete mobile office solution:
- Gmail Learn to use Gmail's unique filing and organization features
- Google Voice Customized messaging and voice call features
- Google Calendar Time management has never been so easy
- Google Documents Manage all of your documents and share them
- Google Picasa Store and share thousands of photos right online
- YouTube Upload and distribute listing videos like never before
- Google+ Learn to create a business page, and effectively network
- Plus Google Analytics, Mobile Apps, and more!
All this, and 6 CE Credits for just $90! To view a flyer and/or register, click here. You'll be glad you did!
If you want to take this course but do not require CE Credits, the cost will be $75. Click here if you would like to register without the need for CE.
PS: Space is limited - Book Now!
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| Great News for Members Holding Both NY and PA Licenses - Big Savings on Continuing Education Time and Money!
Do you hold both NY and PA Real Estate Licenses? Are you spending too much time and money satisfying both states' CE requirements? Well, here's the best news you'll hear this week, if not this month!
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All New York Individual CE Courses completed on-line through our GBAR Website at The CE Shop are valid for PA CE Credit as well! Just register for and complete any NY CE Course at The CE Shop. Upon completion, there will be an opportunity to click to apply the CE Credit to PA as well, and a PA Certificate will be made available through the site.
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Please note: This "double dip" benefit works the other way as well - most PA CE Credit Courses from The CE Shop are valid for NY CE Credit as well, with the exception of the following PA Courses:
- "Diversity: Your Kaleidoscope of Clients"
- "Selling to Your Sphere of Influence"
- "Today's MLS: New Paradigms, Better Results"
Finally, make sure you always use the monthly promotional codes featured in the REALTOR Review each month to get significant discounts on all CE Courses purchased from The CE Shop!
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| Registration for 2014 Designation and Certification Course Schedules Now Open!
Registration for 2014 Designation and Certification courses that will be held in Binghamton are now open! Simply click on the links below for more information and registration instructions.
Special Offer! GRI 409, Equal and Ethical Service, is being offered FREE if you sign up for any of the other GRI Courses being held at GBAR or throughout New York State! That's 15 FREE CE Credits!
Courses at GBAR:
- GRI 405 - Construction and Environmental Issues - September 17
- GRI 406 - Price It Right - September 19
- GRI 409 - Equal and Ethical Service - October 29-30
- SRES - Rescheduled! to November 20-21
For a full list of all Designation and Certification Courses to be held throughout New York State in 2014, click here.
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NAR Designation and Certification Courses Offered On-Line!
Ever want to pursue one of NAR's official designations or certifications, but just don't have the time or flexibility to attend classroom courses? Problem Solved!
Now these courses are available ON-LINE through the GBAR Website and REALTOR® University's School of Professional Development and Continuing Education.
Click here to access courses approved for CE in New York.
If you have any questions, contact Barry Arnold, Executive Officer at GBAR.
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| SRES Has Been Rescheduled in Binghamton!
By popular demand, we have worked with NYSAR and Randy Templeman to reschedule the SRES Designation course for November 20 and 21, 2014, at our Association Offices in Johnson City.
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Click here for a flyer with more information and registration instructions. Click here to visit the SRES Website to learn even more! We hope you'll take advantage of this important designation course, offered right here in you own back yard.
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Big Discounts on Online CE Courses Available!
If you're looking for CE Credit, there's no better place than The CE Shop! All New York CE courses are now offered with a 20% discount by using promotional code "joke20" through the end of August.
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| Heading to Triple Play? Here's The Way to Go!
The Triple Play REALTOR® Convention & Trade Show will be held December 8 - 11, 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Our friends at the Elmira-Corning Regional Association of REALTORS® have contracted with Covered Wagon Tours to arrange Bus Transportation with pick-up and drop-off stops in Apalachin and Binghamton, as well as great deals on hotel accommodation for 3 nights at Bally's Resort/Casino. The Travel Package includes Bus Transport to and from Atlantic City, Taxes and Baggage Fees, 3 Nights Accomodation (Single, Double, Triple(!) or Quadruple deals available), and a $75 FREE Comp Bonus to play the slots.
Forget about driving - this is the way to go!
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| Membership Changes - July, 2014
Click here for a list of Members who have left the Association/MLS following the July Dues and Fees cycle.
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| Martha's MLS Tip of the Day:
If any GBAR Member has any listings on the Property Information Exchange (PIE) Report that have expired, sold or been withdrawn, please contact me and I will remove it from the report.
Thank you! Martha
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Member Minute
Multi-Family Showing Tips 2.0
In the last issue of the REALTOR® Review, you were offered on tips on showing multi-family properties (see below).
We did receive one more additional piece of advice from Ruth Young, which we thought we'd share. Ruth advises that if you intend to take interior photos at a multi-family, make sure you ask the tenant for permission. After all, it is their personal property you are photographing! Good advice! Thanks, Ruth.
The original article:
If you've ever listed or shown a multi-family property, you know that tenant quirks can make arranging a showing difficult, and the showing itself is often full of surprises. For our part as buyers' agents, however, we can ease the process by being on time to the appointment, and by directing all questions to the listing agent, not the tenant. These two simple guidelines won't resolve all multi-family showing issues, but they will help to smooth the process to some extent.
If anyone has any other multi-family "do's or don'ts", click here to let the Membership Committee know, and we'll post them to the next issue of the REALTOR® Review. Thanks!
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New Phone Number? New Address? New E-mail?
It is important that you keep your contact information current with the Association. And you can correct or update this information day or night without making a phone call. If you change the information yourself at REALTOR.org, GBAR, Supra and NYSAR are notified automatically. Go to the REALTOR.org website and click on "My Account." On the first visit you must register, but after that just entering your user name and password advances you to a page that will allow you to update your contact information and notify the Association Office.
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| New Members - July, 2014
Please join us in welcoming the following new Members, as approved by the GBAR Board of Directors:
REALTOR® Agent Members:
- Sherman (Bill) Brown, Realty USA
- Giordano (Giordi) DeAngelo, DWS & Associates
- Carolyn (Carrie) Strano, McKinney Real Estate
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GBAR Leadership/Committees
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| Join the 2015 Trade Show Committee!
Dawn Roessing, GBAR Trade Show Committee Chair, is looking for enthusiastic people who want to join the GBAR Trade Show Committee! This is a fun Committee that works hard each year to put on the GBAR Trade Show in May.
The first meeting, to begin planning for the 2015 Trade Show, will be held Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 11:00am at the Association Office.
If you are interested in joining the Trade Show Committee, please click here to send Alison Donnelly, GBAR Committee Support, an email indicating your interest, and she will add you to the Roster and e-mail you the details about the upcoming Trade Show Committee Meeting!
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2014 GBAR Contact Information
Got comments, questions or concerns? Want to join a GBAR Committee? Here's a full list of 2014 GBAR Board of Directors, Officers, Committee and Sub-Committee Chairs and Association Staff Members. Just click on the name to send an email, or call the phone number listed. We look forward to hearing from you! 2014 GBAR Board of Directors Thomas Reid, President 699-1013 Kay Graves, President Elect 760-3924 Patricia Kilts, Immediate Past President 725-4082 Robert Farrell 760-5001 Roger Katchuk 759-1244 Rose Pelino 761-8073 Dawn Roessing 343-5982 Rachel Sbarra 341-2625 Michelle Shine 743-0454 Sandra Stebelton 768-2372 Karen Templeman 727-7600 James Trevitt 727-4956 2014 GBAR Non-BOD Officers/Counsel Diane White, Treasurer 760-4774 Jon Sarra, HH&K, General Counsel 231-6788 Barry Arnold, Secretary 729-6285 2014 GBAR Committee/Sub-Committee Chairs Board Operations Dale Tifft 768-3793 Bylaws Diane Kerth 725-4026 Communications/PR Jessica Dillenbeck 343-8486 - Affiliate Council Kent Sisco 343-7293 - Community Service Sandra Stebelton 768-2372 - Membership Jessica Dillenbeck 343-8486 - Program & Banquet Melissa Burish 427-2626 - REALTOR/Appraiser Beth Ryder 343-2018 Education Diana Nogaret 725-4065 Finance Diane White 760-4774 Government Affairs Thomas Reid 699-1013 Grievance Sandra Guy 760-4700 MLS John Farrell 760-0908 Nominating Patricia Kilts 725-4082 Professional Standards Diane Briggs-Angell 761-1953 REALTOR/Lawyer Diane White 760-4774 Staff Review Karen Templeman 727-7600 Strategic Planning Kay Graves 760-3924 Trade Show Dawn Roessing 343-5982 GBAR Staff Barry Arnold Executive Officer 729-6285 Alison Donnelly Membership/Committee 729-6285 Martha Tubaugh MLS/Finance 729-6285
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10K Marketing GBAR Monthly Statistics - July, 2014
Click here to review the July, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for GBAR.
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10K Marketing NYSAR Monthly Statistics - May, 2014
Click here to review the May, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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"The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video
for June, 2014
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for June, 2014.
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Contact Us:
Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS®
19 Jennison Avenue
Johnson City, NY 13790
607-729-6285
607-798-8246 (Fax)
executive@gbingar.com
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